Directed growth of nanoarchitectured LiFePO₄ electrode by solvothermal synthesis and their cathode properties

We demonstrate a rapid and one-pot solvothermal synthesis of LiFePO₄ hierarchical nanorods and flowers like microstructures in a short reaction time (4-10 min) at temperature as low as 300-400 °C, without any high temperature post-annealing. The ethylene glycol was used as a solvent with hexane and oleic acid as co-solvent and surfactant, respectively. Addition of the co-solvent and/or surfactant played a key role in controlling the morphology and microstructures of the LiFePO₄ nanocrystals. The EG and oleic acid were acted as the size and morphology controlling agents and carbon source when annealed at 600 °C. Sample exhibited about 90% specific capacity at 0.5 °C and showed good cyclic performance. The high-resolution TEM image revealed that these nanorods were self-assembled to form flower like microstructure in presence of oleic acid during the synthesis.