From Lab to Plant: Technical Barriers in Scaling Up LiMnyFe1‐yPO4 Production ‐ A Process Engineering Perspective

Abstract

LiMnyFe1‐yPO4 (LMFP) cathode materials have emerged as a promising alternative to LiFePO4 due to their higher theoretical energy density (610 Wh kg−1) and voltage platform (3.8–4.0 V vs. Li+/Li), making them suitable for high‐power lithium‐ion batteries. However, their practical application is hindered by sluggish Li+ diffusion kinetics (10−9–10−8 S cm−1), low electronic conductivity (10−12–10−10 S cm−1), and structural instabilities caused by Mn dissolution and Jahn‐Teller distortion during cycling. Recent studies reveal that Mn substitution enhances the operating voltage to 3.5–3.7 V through charge compensation effects, but excessive Mn content (>0.6) degrades lattice stability and cycle life. Advanced synthesis methods, such as high‐speed ball milling combined with solid‐state reactions, have enabled precise control over phase purity (≥95%) and particle morphology (150–200 nm), improving electrochemical performance. Current research focuses on mitigating Mn‐related issues via surface modification (e.g., Al2O3 coatings) and nanostructuring (e.g., core‐shell architectures), achieving >90% capacity retention after 500 cycles. Future directions include computational modeling of phase transitions, high‐throughput screening of dopants, and hybrid LMFP/NMC(Nickel Manganese Cobalt composite layered oxide) cathodes to balance energy density and thermal stability. These advancements position LMFP as a viable candidate for next‐generation energy storage systems, particularly in electric vehicles and grid‐scale applications, though challenges in synthesis scalability and long‐term durability remain critical barriers.