Lithium transition-metal phosphate powder for rechargeable batteries

The invention concerns the manufacture and use of phosphates of transition metals as positive electrodes for secondary lithium batteries and discloses a process for the production of LiMPO4 with controlled size and morphology, M being FexCoyNizMnw, with 0≤x≤1, 0≤y≤1, 0≤z≤1, 0≤w≤1 and x+y+z+w=1. A process is disclosed for the manufacture of LiFePO4, comprising the steps of providing an equimolar aqueous solution of Li, Fe and PO4, evaporating the water from the solution, thereby producing a solid mixture, decomposing the solid mixture at a temperature below 500 DEG C to form a pure homogeneous Li and Fe phosphate precursor, and annealing the precursor at a temperature of less than 800 DEG C in a reducing atmosphere, thereby forming a LiFePO4 powder. The obtained powders have a particle size of less than 1 mu m, and provide superior electrochemical performances once mixed for an appropriate time with electrical conductive powder.