Abstract: An improved process for forming a lithium metal phosphate cathode material is provided. The process comprises reacting a metal source, a phosphate containing acid such as phosphoric acid, and an organic acid in solvent to form a metal phosphate. A lithium source is added to the solvent and a precipitate is allowed to form. The precipitate is dried and calcined thereby forming lithium iron phosphate cathode material wherein the lithium iron phosphate cathode material comprises up to 3 wt % carbon.

Abstract: An improved method for the formation of lithium metal phosphate cathode material is provided. The process comprises: forming a first aqueous suspension comprising a first molar concentration of Li+ and a second molar concentration of PO43?; forming a second aqueous suspension comprising a metal source wherein the metal source comprises at least one iron source selected from the group consisting of Fe2O3, FeOOH and Fe3O4 and an organic acid, organic alcohol or salt of an organic acid; wherein iron of the iron source is present in a third molar concentration; combining the first aqueous suspension and the second aqueous suspension and allowing a precipitate to form; drying the precipitate; and calcining the precipitate thereby forming the lithium iron phosphate cathode material having a formula represented by LiMPO4/C wherein the lithium iron phosphate cathode material comprises up to 3 wt % carbon.