Rapid and Continuous Production of LiFePO4/C Nanoparticles in Super Heated Water

A rapid and continuous method for production of LiFePO4/C nanoparticles in super heated water is described, wherein soluble starch was used as carbon precursor. The effects of pH, flow rate, temperature, and pressure on the formation of LiFePO4/C particles were investigated. Results showed that the pH value was the key factor on the formation of phase pure LiFePO4, which only formed at pH = 7; the LiFePO4/C occurred as particles with about 70-200 nm size and LiFePO4 was covered by a thin carbon layer; higher flow rate, higher pressure, and lower temperature led to smaller particles of LiFePO4/C.