Patent ID: 7390473

Claim:
A method of producing fine lithium iron phosphate/carbon composite powders having an olivine structure of the formula, LiFePO 4 /C, comprising the following steps: (1) providing a dispersion of: a. iron dextran nanoparticles b. an iron based compound c. a chemical precursor of phosphate ions, d. a lithium containing salt, (2) homogeneously mixing the dispersion to provide an LiFePO 4 /C precursor solid material, (3) removing and drying the LiFePO 4 /C precursor solid material; and (4) calcining the LiFePO 4 /C precursor solid material in an inert atmosphere at a temperature in the range of 400-700° C. for a time sufficient to remove volatile compounds, to reduce Fe 3+ to Fe 2+ , and to form an olivine structured LiFePO 4 /C compound.