Advanced strategies for enhancing performance and sustainability in lithium iron phosphate batteries

Abstract

Rapid growth of electric vehicles (EVs) and stationary storage has elevated Li-ion batteries to a critical role in modern energy systems. Within this class, LiFePO4 (LFP) stands out for its exceptional safety, and long cycle life. Nonetheless, its deployment in high-energy applications is hindered by limited energy density, primarily stemming from its relatively low operating voltage (similar to 3.2 V) and moderate capacity (similar to 170 mAh g(-1)). Additional drawbacks, like sluggish charge-transfer kinetics and complexities involved in material regeneration further constrain its performance. This review examines recent progress in overcoming these limitations through material modification, electrode engineering, and system-level innovations. Strategies including elemental doping, surface functionalization, and nanoscale structural control have been employed to enhance conductivity and rate capability. Parallel advances in producing dense powders and thick electrodes aim to elevate energy density, while hierarchical and conductive frameworks enable more efficient ion/electron transport. Furthermore, we discuss improvements in low-temperature operation, scalable manufacturing, and recycling approaches that reinforce sustainability. Emerging directions, including dry-film electrode fabrication, solid-state integration, and AI/ML-driven optimization, are highlighted as promising pathways for next-generation LFP technologies. Collectively, these developments could transform LFP from conservative cathode choice into high-performance and environmentally robust platform for electric transport, grid storage, and future energy systems.