Editorial Technical Reference

Lithium Iron Phosphate Cathode Active Material

This page explains how Lithium Iron Phosphate Cathode Active Material is classified within Manufacture of Batteries and Accumulators. Technical values and manufacturer relationships are research references; confirm the current specification and supplier evidence for each order.

Technical Definition & Core Assembly

Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) cathode active material is a critical raw material in battery manufacturing, serving as the positive electrode component in lithium-ion cells.

Lithium Iron Phosphate Cathode Active Material in a manufacturing environment
Representative product image. Confirm appearance and specifications with the manufacturer.

Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for Lithium Iron Phosphate Cathode Active Material

Definition
Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) cathode active material is a critical raw material in battery manufacturing, serving as the positive electrode component in lithium-ion cells. This olivine-structured compound provides superior thermal stability and safety compared to other cathode chemistries, making it essential for electric vehicles, energy storage systems, and industrial applications. As a semi-finished industrial substance, it's supplied to battery manufacturers as a fine powder that undergoes electrode slurry preparation, coating, and calendaring processes. Its role in the B2B supply chain involves specialized chemical producers supplying to cell manufacturers who integrate it into complete battery systems. The material is characterized by a specific capacity of 140–160 mAh/g, a tap density of 0.8–1.2 g/cm³, a particle size D50 of 1–5 μm, a BET surface area of 10–20 m²/g, a carbon content of 1–3 wt%, a moisture content of ≤0.1 ppm, an operating voltage of 2.5–3.65 V, a charge/discharge efficiency of ≥95%, a compaction density of 2.2–2.5 g/cm³ under 10 MPa, a pH value of 9–11, and an impurity content (Fe, Cu, Zn) of ≤0.01%. These parameters serve as reference ranges for procurement and quality control; actual values must be confirmed with the supplier for the specific grade. The material is supplied as a powder and is not a finished battery component. Buyers should verify that the material meets their application requirements, including electrochemical performance and processing characteristics. The directory does not manufacture or sell this product; it provides neutral technical information for industrial sourcing.
Working Principle
The material operates through reversible lithium-ion intercalation/de-intercalation within the olivine crystal structure during charge/discharge cycles. During discharge, lithium ions are extracted from the anode and inserted into the iron phosphate lattice, while electrons flow through the external circuit. This process is reversed during charging. The olivine structure provides a stable framework that accommodates lithium ions without significant structural change, contributing to the material's thermal stability and long cycle life. The carbon coating enhances electronic conductivity, facilitating efficient electron transfer. The operating voltage window of 2.5–3.65 V is typical for LiFePO4, and the theoretical capacity is approached under optimal conditions. The material's performance is influenced by particle size, surface area, and impurity levels, which affect kinetics and side reactions.
Common Materials
Lithium carbonate, Iron phosphate, Carbon precursor
Technical Parameters
ParameterTypical rangeNotes & selection driver
Specific CapacityRequired140–160 mAh/gTheoretical electrochemical capacity at 100% utilization
Tap DensityRequired0.8–1.2 g/cm³Bulk density after standardized tapping procedure
Particle Size D50Required1–5 μmMedian particle diameter in volume distribution
BET Surface AreaRequired10–20 m²/gSpecific surface area measured by nitrogen adsorption
Carbon Content1–3 wt%Conductive carbon coating percentage by weight
Moisture ContentRequired≤0.1 ppmResidual water content affecting battery performance
Operating Voltage2.5–3.65 VTypical LiFePO4 voltage window
Charge/Discharge Efficiency≥95 %First cycle efficiency
Compaction Density2.2–2.5 g/cm³Under 10 MPa pressure
pH Value9–11Slurry pH affects coating
Impurity Content (Fe, Cu, Zn)≤0.01 %Metallic impurities cause self-discharge
Specific Surface Area10–20 m²/gSame as BET surface area

Ranges are indicative industry figures for RFQ preparation, not a supplier commitment. Confirm every value and standard with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Components / BOM

Industry Taxonomies & Aliases

Commonly used trade names and technical identifiers for Lithium Iron Phosphate Cathode Active Material.

Industrial Ecosystem & Supply Chain Structure

Complementary Systems
Downstream Applications
Specialized Tooling

Application Fit & Sizing Matrix

Operational Limits
pressure: Atmospheric to 1 bar gauge (slurry processing)
temperature: -20°C to 60°C (operational), up to 80°C (short-term)
moisture exposure: <100 ppm H₂O in processing environment
slurry concentration: 40-60% solids by weight
Media Compatibility
✓ NMP-based PVDF binder systems ✓ Aqueous CMC/SBR binder systems ✓ Carbon black/Super P conductive additives
Unsuitable: Strong acidic or alkaline aqueous environments (pH <4 or >10)
Sizing Data Required
  • Required battery capacity (Ah)
  • Target energy density (Wh/kg or Wh/L)
  • Electrode coating thickness specification (μm)

Reliability & Engineering Risk Analysis

Failure Mode & Root Cause
Structural degradation
Cause: Lithium-ion intercalation/deintercalation cycles cause lattice stress and microcracking in the cathode material, leading to capacity fade and increased internal resistance over time.
Electrolyte decomposition
Cause: High operating temperatures or overcharging can accelerate electrolyte breakdown at the cathode surface, forming solid electrolyte interface (SEI) layers that impede lithium-ion transport and reduce efficiency.
Maintenance Indicators
  • Abnormal heat generation or thermal runaway events during charging/discharging cycles
  • Rapid capacity fade or voltage instability beyond manufacturer specifications
Engineering Tips
  • Implement strict temperature control systems (25-45°C optimal range) and avoid exposure to high temperatures to minimize electrolyte decomposition and structural stress.
  • Utilize battery management systems (BMS) with precise voltage regulation (3.2-3.6V/cell) to prevent overcharging/overdischarging and maintain balanced cell operation.

Indicative industry ranges for design and RFQ preparation. Confirm the exact figures and applicable standard with the manufacturer before specifying.

Compliance & Manufacturing Standards

Applicable Standards
ASTM D7148-19 - Standard Test Method for Determining the Ionic Conductivity of Polymeric Battery Separators as a Function of Temperature and Humidity IEC 62660-1:2018 - Secondary lithium-ion cells for the propulsion of electric road vehicles - Part 1: Performance testing

Quoted from the published standard.

Manufacturing Precision
  • Particle Size Distribution: D50 +/- 0.5 μm
  • Tap Density: +/- 0.05 g/cm³
Quality Inspection
  • X-ray Diffraction (XRD) for Crystal Structure Analysis
  • Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) Spectroscopy for Elemental Purity

Manufacturers of Lithium Iron Phosphate Cathode Active Material

1 company lists this product among what they make. Company figures are quoted from each company's own website; every card states where the relationship came from.

Sixu New Energy Technology Co., Ltd.
Hefei, Anhui, CN
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources
Listed there as: “LFP Cathode Materials”
View source page ↗ lfpmaterial.com · checked 2026-09-04

Manufacturer listings support early research and capability understanding. They are not certification, ranking, or transaction guarantees.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical specific capacity of this material?

The specific capacity is typically in the range of 140–160 mAh/g, based on theoretical electrochemical capacity at 100% utilization. Actual capacity depends on the specific grade and test conditions; verify with the supplier.

What is the recommended particle size for electrode processing?

The median particle diameter (D50) is typically 1–5 μm. This range is suitable for slurry preparation and coating. Confirm the exact distribution with the supplier for your application.

How does the carbon content affect performance?

The carbon content, typically 1–3 wt%, provides a conductive coating that enhances electronic conductivity. Higher carbon can improve rate capability but may reduce energy density. Verify the optimal level for your battery design.

What are the key quality parameters to verify before procurement?

Key parameters include specific capacity, tap density, particle size, BET surface area, carbon content, moisture content, operating voltage, charge/discharge efficiency, compaction density, pH, and impurity content. Always confirm these values with the manufacturer for the specific batch.

Data Basis

Editorial classification, named public sources where available, and source-reviewed manufacturer records.

Preliminary Technical Classification
This page supports structured research, RFQ preparation, and supplier evaluation. It does not replace buyer-led supplier qualification, standards review, or technical approval.
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