Ultra Low-cost LiFePO4 Synthesis

We all understand that Li-ion batteries based on the LiFePO4 active material offer outstanding cycle life and beneficial safety properties. So what has been holding it back?

One of the major obstacles to the major commercial roll-out of LiFePO4 Li-ion batteries is the cost of the active material itself. In terms of $/kWh (i.e. the cost per energy unit) the lithium iron phosphate is relatively expensive when compared directly to traditional layered oxide materials such as LiCoO2, NCA and NMC. But why is this? Surely the nature and availability of the constituent elements would mean that LiFePO4 should be really inexpensive. That statement is basically true, but the preparation methods used commercially - often complicated and multi-step - mean that the overall manufacturing cost of the LiFePO4 is actually very high, typically around $20/kg. That's not good.

What the industry really needs is a ultra low cost manufacturing method that is easily scalable. Perhaps approaching <$10/kg. That would really make a substantial difference.

So what can one do? During the development of its proprietary Na-ion technology, Faradion Limited has also discovered some ultra low cost methods of preparation for LiFePO4 (as well as other polyanion based active materials). We anticipate that the LiFePO4 made this way will be substantially cheaper that any other currently-available commercial approach.

For more information about our LiFePO4 synthesis method please refer to our website:

www.faradion.co.uk

or directly from me:

jerry.barker@faradion.co.uk