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In this paper we report a bio-synthesis route towards controllable mesoporous LiFePO 4 /C nanocomposite microspheres (MP-LFP/C-NC-MS). During the synthesis baker's yeast cells were used as both structure templates and a carbon source. Then we clarify the bio-deposited and biomolecular self-assembly mechanisms of iron phosphate by means of the Langmuir biosorption isotherms of the yeast biomass in iron ion solution and by applying the model of heterogeneous nucleation of iron phosphate in a yeast cell. The MP-LFP/C-NC-MS show a uniform size distribution (4.76 mm), high tap density (1.74 g cm À3 ) and a large specific surface area (203 m 2 g À1 ). The microsphere is composed of densely aggregated nanoparticles and interconnected nanopores. The open mesoporous structure allows lithium ions to easily penetrate into the spheres, while a thorough coating of the biocarbon network on the surface of the LiFePO 4 nanoparticles facilitates lithium ion and electron diffusion. The MP-LFP/ C-NC-MS have a high discharge capacity of about 158.5 mA h g À1 at a current density of 0.1 C, discharge capacity of 122 mA h g À1 at 10 C, and high capacity retention rate. Therefore the mesoporous microspheres are an ideal type of cathode-active materials for making high-power Li-ion batteries.

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Owing to heterogeneous nucleation at the melt‐crucible interface, it is difficult to access the dynamic and physical properties of supercooled liquids of poor glass formers when using a conventional melting technique. To avoid the interface nucleation, we apply a containerless aerodynamic levitation laser‐melting technique to measure the viscosity, density, and surface tension of a poor glass‐forming system, ie, the mixed alkaline‐earth aluminate melts. The temperature and composition (Ca/Sr) dependence of thermal‐physical properties are investigated on both thermodynamically stable and metastable supercooled melts. In addition, the levitation laser‐melting technique is used to quench the melts to glasses, and then the mixed alkaline‐earth effects are investigated on Vickers micro‐hardness and glass transition temperatures. By comparing the chosen silicate and aluminate series, we have identified weaker mixed alkaline‐earth effects in aluminate series than those in silicate series, and this difference could be attributed to the different structural roles of alkaline‐earth elements in two glass series.