LFO, LFC Lithium Replenishment Material

Overview

LFO (also referred to as LFC in some catalogues) is a lithium-rich iron oxide (Li₅FeO₄) used as a sacrificial lithium replenishment additive for LFP-based lithium-ion batteries. It is typically blended in small fractions with LFP cathode powder to compensate for irreversible lithium loss during first-cycle formation (mainly SEI growth on the anode), improving lithium inventory and practical energy density.

Working Mechanism (Formation-Time Lithium Release)

During the first charge, Li₅FeO₄ undergoes stepwise delithiation that releases lithium ions into the electrolyte within the LFP-compatible voltage window:

• First charging platform (≈3.5–4.0 V): Li₅FeO₄ → Li₃FeO₄ + 2Li⁺ + 2e⁻
• Second charging platform (≥4.0 V): Li₃FeO₄ → LiFeO₂ + 2Li⁺ + 2e⁻ (with potential oxygen evolution depending on conditions)

This behaviour is largely irreversible by design, so the additive primarily acts during formation rather than contributing to reversible cycling capacity.

Key Features

• Designed for LFP cathode systems (also used in selected ternary blends)
• High lithium-release capability (high theoretical charge capacity)
• Helps improve: initial coulombic efficiency (ICE), formation yield, and capacity retention in lithium-limited full cells
  
  

Compatibility & Typical Use Cases

• LFP cells paired with graphite or Si–C anodes (where first-cycle lithium loss is higher)
• High-loading electrodes and lithium-lean designs where lithium inventory is critical
• R&D optimisation of formation protocols (cut-off voltage, dwell steps, gas management)
  
  

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