Research Progress of Lithium Iron Phosphate in the Cathode of Lithium-Ion Battery

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have been a new candidate for various industries. Unlike other types of lead-acid batteries, LIBs have a very high energy density, power density, and nominal voltage, making them a beneficial choice of battery for many electronic devices like electric vehicles. The role of cathode material in the battery is to start the electrochemical reaction, and the rate capacity is highly dependent on the ion-diffusion rate at the cathode. This makes the cathode the most critical component in the battery. Therefore, it is essential to have excellent cathode material to perform its function. Lithium iron phosphate has always been a desirable cathode material due to its stable structure, high safety, and low cost. By choosing the appropriate material, high capacity and performance can be achieved. By modifying the material through different strategies, LFP has the potential to exceed its theoretical capacity and be applied in the broader field of the electronics industry. First, this article focuses on a comparison of different cathode materials and explains why LFP is superior. Then, it will introduce the synthesis methods, including solid-state, hydrothermal, and sol-gel methods. Finally, it will discuss ways to modify LFP, including nanostructured LFP, carbon coating, and doping. This paper aims to serve as a guide and reference for research in the battery industry.