LiFePO_4/C Nanocomposites Synthesized from Fe_2O_3 by a Hydrothermal Reaction-calcination Process and Their Electrochemical Performance

LiFePO 4 nanoparticles coated with a carbon layer were synthesized by a hydrothermal reaction-calcination process, using Fe 2 O 3 as an iron source and ascorbic acid as carbon source. The amount of ascorbic acid have an effect on the structure, phase and carbon amount of the final product. With 1 g ascorbic acid used in the reaction, the particle sizes of synthesized LiFePO 4 /C nanocomposites are in a range of 220–280 nm. Using as the cathode materials for the lithium-ion batteries, the as-prepared material shows high capacity and good cycle stability (159 mAh/g at 0.1C over 500 cycles), as well as good rate capability.