Formation mechanism of LiFePO₄ sticks grown by a microwave-assisted liquid-phase process

A time-dependent study on the formation of LiFePO₄ with olivine-type structure is presented. The material is synthesized through a non-aqueous route in benzyl alcohol assisted by microwave radiation. The LiFePO₄ forms with an anisotropic morphology of microscale stick-like particles. The detailed structure of these particles and their evolution with reaction time is revealed by transmission electron microscopy; a 3D reconstruction of a particle by electron tomography provides insight into the formation mechanism of these sticks. Without applying a thermal post-annealing treatment or a carbon coating, the electrochemical behavior of the LiFePO₄ microsticks is assessed for the preparation of cathodes in lithium-ion batteries.