Grant: Automotive Partnership Canada Project

Liquid phase synthesis of LiFeP04 has already been demonstrated in laboratory-scale trials and was identified as a possible low-cost alternative for manufacturing pathway. The high temperautre process in the liquid phase, benefits from rapid reaction kinetics and the thermodynamic stability of LiFeP04 in a reducing atmosphere. The aim of the present proposed work is to develop and pilot of the molten synthesis process and accelerate its scale-up to a commercial-scale for the manufacturing of low-cost C-LiFeP04 for EV and PHEV applications. Main project steps are: 1. Reactant selection and formulation 2. Degassing, mixing, melting and casting 3. Ingot comminution to'sub-micron size 4. Spray drying (if needed, following wet milling) 5. Pyrolysis and carbon coating (optionally in a gas-solid contactor) 6. Laboratory testing in small cells 7. Field testing by customers EV and PHEV applications 8. Techno-economic evaluation of industrial-scale plant Steps 2 and 3 are seen as the most critical to achieve the project goals of cost and stable performance on cycling. Step 5 is also an important step. II is believed that carbon deposition in a gas-solid c6ntactor (e.g. fluidized bed) will improve the performance (e.g. cycle-life, conductivity) of the C-LiFeP04 over Phostech's existing carbon coating approach.