A novel approach to exploit LiFePO4 compound as an ambient temperature high capacity anode material for rechargeable lithium batteries

An ever first attempt has been made to investigate the possible anode performance characteristics of LiFePO4, popularly known so far as an environmentally compatible and economically viable lithium battery cathode material. The compound LiFePO4 has been synthesized via solid state method and explored for the first time as an anode material against lithium metal through the present study. Surprisingly, an initial capacity of �620 mAh/g has been exhibited by LiFePO4 anode, which is about 4–5 times higher than the capacity of the corresponding LiFePO4 cathodes. Also an excellent coulumbic efficiency value of 99% has been shown by the compound, especially upon extended cycling. The extraordinarily higher specific capacity values of LiFePO4 anodes may be exploited suitably for practical lithium battery applications