LiFePO4/C Nanocomposites Synthesized from Fe2O3 by a Hydrothermal Reaction-calcination Process and Their Electrochemical Performance

LiFePO4 nanoparticles coated with a carbon layer were synthesized by a hydrothermal reaction-calcination process, using Fe2O3 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 LiFePO4/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.