Hunting for Better Li-Based Electrode Materials via Low Temperature Inorganic Synthesis

Ceramic processes are currently used to prepare most of today’s electrode materials. For energy-saving reasons, there is a growing interest in electrode materials prepared via eco-efficient processes, which has led to the resurgence of low temperature hydro- and solvothermal processes. This review will highlight how some of these processes have been successfully used to prepare today’s most praised electrode material: LiFePO4. Particular attention is paid to the recently developed ionothermal synthesis process. This will be done in order to stress the versatility and richness of ionothermal synthesis, its control over particle size and shape, and the ability of ionic liquids to provide stabilization to new metastable phases. We outline the pertinent questions that should be clarified for continued advancement of the ionothermal process which opens the door to innovative inorganic synthesis and to materials which have remained hidden for a long time.