binder in proportions similar to that described above for the positive electrode in a preferred embodiment the negative electrode active material is graphite particles for test purposes test cells are often fabricated using lithium metal electrodes when forming cells for use as batteries it is preferred to use an insertion metal oxide positive electrode and a graphitic carbon negative electrode various methods for fabricating electrochemical cells and batteries and for forming electrode components are described herein the invention is not however limited by any particular fabrication method a pre mix reactants in the following proportions using ball mill thus 1 mol fepo 4 150 82 g 0 5 mol li 2 co 3 36 95 g 0 5 mol carbon 6 0 g c heat pellet to 750 u00b0 c at a rate of 2 u00b0 minute in flowing inert atmosphere e g argon dwell for 8 hours at 750 u00b0 c under argon note that at 750 u00b0 c this is predominantly a co reaction this reaction is able to be conducted at a temperature in a range of about 700 u00b0 c to about 950 u00b0 c in argon as shown and also under other inert atmospheres such as nitrogen or vacuum reaction 1 b lifepo 4 formed from fe 2 o 3 0 5 fe 2 o 3 0 5 li 2 co 3 nh 4 2 hpo.