Recent advances and future developments of lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP) cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries: Synthesis, modification, and recycling

Lithium manganese iron phosphate (LiMn x Fe 1-x PO 4 ), a key variant of the olivine structure, offers unique advantages such as a distinct dual voltage plateau (Mn 2+ /Mn 3+ at 4.1 V and Fe 2+ /Fe 3+ at 3.5 V), excellent cycling performance, reliable safety and stability, and low cost. It is gradually emerging as a key candidate for next-generation automotive power batteries. However, low electrical conductivity, restricted one-dimensional diffusion of Li + , manganese leaching, and performance degradation caused by the Jahn-Teller effect of Mn 3+ remain the key bottlenecks limiting its performance. This paper reviews the research progress on LMFP, providing its crystal structure characteristics and a comparison of its performance with other cathode materials. It then summarizes and compares the latest solid-state and liquid-phase synthesis processes. This paper focuses on summarizing strategies, such as surface coating, element doping, morphology control, electrode structure design, and cathode blending modification, to enhance conductivity and suppress lattice distortion. Furthermore, regarding the growing issue of recycling waste LMFP, this study organizes the current state of hydrometallurgical recovery processes. Finally, it outlines future development directions, including the refinement and simplification of synthesis processes, synergistic modification, and the feasibility of additional LMFP recycling strategies, providing a practical reference for subsequent LMFP research, development, and recycling.