Lithium Australia Limited’s (ASX:LIT) subsidiary VSPC continues to improve lithium manganese ferro phosphate (LMFP) cathode powder for use in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs).
VSPC develops leading-edge materials for e-mobility and energy storage applications and, ultimately, a zero-carbon economy at its pilot plant and research facility located in Brisbane, Australia.
VSPC is commercialising its patented RC Process which has the potential to manufacture LFP and LMFP cathode powders at scale.
LFP LIBs are cheaper, safer, and longer lasting than their nickel cobalt battery counterparts. Indeed, it is the superior performance criteria of LFP, combined with an anticipated shortfall in nickel and cobalt supply, that has led to the market to move further toward LFP.
LMFP is widely regarded as the next generation lithium metal phosphate material, as it has the potential to retain all the advantages of LFP, whilst matching the energy density of nickel cobalt chemistries at the battery pack level.
The ability for VSPC to pivot between LFP and LMFP is a strategic advantage, demonstrated by the increased request for LMFP samples by the lithium-ion battery industry. In response to these enquiries for samples, VSPC has delivered certain enhancements to its LMFP product and is in the process of generating LMFP to satisfy the most recent enquiries.
“To achieve global emission targets, fossil fuels will need to be replaced with renewable energy sources, and this is facilitated by high efficiency batteries. VSPC’s LFP and LMFP cathode powders are an integral component of these high efficiency batteries and interest in our product is pleasing as VSPC moves towards commercialisation.”
Lithium Manganese Ferro Phosphate (LMFP) Batteries
The theoretical energy density of LMFP batteries can reach up to 230 Wh/kg, 15 to 20 percent higher than LFP batteries, with almost no difference in the cost of the material inputs. Adding manganese to the LFP chemistry formula, increases the voltage from 3.2 to 4 volts, thus boosting the battery’s energy density.
Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL) announced in July 2022 its intention to launch its LMFP batteries next year that have a maximum energy density of 230 Wh/kg, slightly less than ternary batteries at 250 Wh/kg, yet with manufacturing costs close to that of LFP batteries. With this increased efficiency and performance, CATL claims EVs with a range greater than 700 km can be achieved.
VSPC Product Development
VSPC has continued to optimise its LMFP formulation with an equal manganese (Mn) to iron (Fe) ratio, as this performs well over a range of charge rates, including reasonably high rates.
Recent advances include:
- Improved sphericity of LMFP agglomerates as shown in Figure 1, which favours manufacture of higher density electrodes.
- An increase in the voltage and stability of the high voltage plateau with the same Mn content, resulting in higher energy density compared to earlier samples
- The voltage profile and energy density have recorded improved stability with repeated cycling and after high-rate cycling
- Energy density improvement (590 Wh/kg) over VSPC’s high quality power LFP at 0.1 C (550 Wh/kg) for a 50:50 Mn:Fe ratio, with scope to increase this further with higher Mn content formulations. This translates to 236 Wh/kg at cell level which is comparable to that of CATL LMFP cells.
