The formation of a new lithium ferrite modification structurally similar to γ-Fe2O3 and LiFe5O8 by direct precipitation from Fe(III) solutions is described. It is used as intermediate in the preparation of other lithium ferrites and contains no Fe(II) as revealed by Mössbauer spectroscopy and chemical analysis. Thermogravimetric results show a complex water loss at 80–500°C yielding a solid solution of γ-Fe2O3 and LiFe5O8 that decomposed to LiFe5O8 and α-Fe2O3 at 850°C. Hydrothermal treatment of the initial gel at 160°C leads to the progressive formation of α, β, and γ-LiFeO2.

The authors thank the Spanish CAICYT for financial support of this work, which was carried out at the Department of Inorganic Chemistry of C6rdoba under Project 0982-84.