Lithium iron phosphate

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Lithium iron phosphate

Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4), also known as LFP, is a type of lithium-ion battery (Li-ion) with a lithium iron phosphate cathode. It is known for its high safety, long cycle life, and stable chemical properties.

History

The development of lithium iron phosphate batteries began in the late 1990s. The material was first discovered by John B. Goodenough and his team at the University of Texas at Austin. The first commercial applications of LFP batteries appeared in the early 2000s.

Chemistry

Lithium iron phosphate batteries use lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) as the cathode material and a graphite carbon electrode with a metallic backing as the anode. The electrolyte typically consists of a lithium salt dissolved in an organic solvent.

Advantages

LFP batteries offer several advantages over other types of lithium-ion batteries:

• **Safety**: LFP batteries are less prone to thermal runaway and are considered safer than other lithium-ion chemistries.
• **Cycle Life**: They have a longer cycle life, often exceeding 2000 cycles.
• **Thermal Stability**: LFP batteries have better thermal stability and can operate at higher temperatures.
• **Environmental Impact**: They are considered more environmentally friendly due to the absence of cobalt.

Disadvantages

Despite their advantages, LFP batteries have some drawbacks:

• **Energy Density**: They have a lower energy density compared to other lithium-ion batteries, such as lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2).
• **Voltage**: The nominal voltage of LFP batteries is lower, typically around 3.2V per cell.

Applications

LFP batteries are used in a variety of applications, including:

• Electric vehicles (EVs)
• Energy storage systems (ESS)
• Portable electronics
• Power tools

Related Pages

• Lithium-ion battery
• Lithium cobalt oxide
• Electric vehicle
• Energy storage system
• John B. Goodenough

See Also

• Battery (electricity)
• Electrochemistry
• Renewable energy