Discover LMFP Batteries: Cost-Effective and High-Energy Density Solutions

What is an LMFP Battery?

Currently, electric vehicles (EVs) predominantly use two types of batteries: lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and ternary lithium-ion (NMC). LFP batteries, which use lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) as the cathode material, are known for their safety and lower cost due to minimal use of rare earth elements like cobalt. However, they have a lower energy density, reducing the EV's range. In contrast, NMC batteries, composed mainly of nickel, manganese, and cobalt, offer higher energy density but are less safe and more expensive due to their cobalt content. 

Typically, LFP batteries are used in budget EV models with ranges between 300 km to 500 km, while NMC batteries are found in mid to high-end models with ranges from 400 km to 700 km. Although NMC batteries currently dominate the market, LFP batteries have been gaining popularity, especially in China, due to their cost-effectiveness and improving performance.

The LMFP battery, or lithium manganese iron phosphate battery, is a type of lithium-ion battery where some of the iron in LFP is replaced with manganese. This modification increases the energy density by approximately 15% to 20% without significantly altering the cost or safety. As a result, LMFP batteries are being considered a promising successor to LFP batteries. Mass production efforts for LMFP batteries are accelerating, particularly in China, where LFP batteries hold a 60% market share. This report examines the background, latest trends, and future prospects of LMFP batteries.

Characteristics of LMFP Batteries

LMFP batteries share a stable olivine-type crystal structure with LFP batteries, which minimizes deformation during charge and discharge cycles and ensures safety. They outperform NMC batteries, which have a layered rock-salt structure, in thermal stability and cycle life. Despite having a theoretical capacity similar to LFP, LMFP batteries achieve 15% to 20% higher energy density due to a higher operating voltage (around 3.7 V compared to LFP's 3.2 V). The high energy density and absence of cobalt or other rare metals make LMFP batteries cost-effective, with the potential for lower costs per watt-hour upon mass production.

There are technical challenges with LMFP batteries, such as low electrical conductivity and manganese dissolution during cycles. However, recent advancements in nano-scale cathode materials and carbon coating have improved these issues, resulting in a cycle life exceeding 2,000 cycles, making them viable for practical use.

*Comparison of main performance data between LFP, LMFP, and NMC batteries

LMFP batteries can be produced using solid-phase or liquid-phase synthesis methods. The liquid-phase method, although more complex, offers higher performance by allowing more uniform material synthesis compared to the solid-phase method, which involves grinding solids.

Due to their cost-effectiveness and performance, LMFP batteries have the potential to replace LFP batteries and capture part of the NMC battery market. Additionally, combining LMFP with NMC cathode materials could enhance the safety of NMC batteries, presenting another promising application.

Edit by paco