Novel nanoscale solution method for synthesizing lithium cathode active materials

A method of producing a, LixMyZO4/carbon, composite material comprising:

• (a) reacting at least one soluble metal salt precursors selected from a group of sulfates, nitrates, and halides with base selected from a group of sodium hydroxide, and ammonium hydroxide in the presence of water;
• (b) drying the reaction;
• (c) mixing the dried reaction with a solution of P/Si/Li containing precursors;
• (d) adding a soluble polymer carbon precursor;
• or combine step d with step c together.
• (e) calcining the mixture in an inert or reducing environment at a temperature between:
• 1) a lower limit of approximately 750 ° K;
• and
• 2) an upper limit of approximately 1250 ° K.

A cathode for use in a rechargeable electrochemical cell formed by a process comprising:

• (a) reacting metal sulfate and/or other soluble metal salts with NaOH/NH4OH
• (b) drying the reaction;
• (c) mixing the dried reaction with at least one soluable from PO4 containing precursor, or Si precursor;
• (d) mixing the dried mixture with a soluable lithium precursor;
• (e) mixing the dried mixture with a soluble polymer carbon precursor
• (f) adding a soluble dopant M, wherein M is selected from the group consisting of Mg, Al, Si, Ca, Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Ge, Sr, Zr, Nb, Mo, Ta, W, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb and Lu, wherein the dopant is added in one or both of step (a) and step (c);
• (g) calcining in an inert or reducing environment at a temperature between:
• 1) a lower limit of approximately 750° K;
• and
• 2) an upper limit of approximately 1250° K.