Ferric phosphate, also known as lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4), is a cathode material for lithium-ion batteries and exhibits outstanding performance in lithium-ion batteries. Its advantages are demonstrated in the following aspects:  

1. Safety Performance  

The P-O bonds in the crystal structure of lithium iron phosphate are stable and difficult to decompose. Even under high temperatures or overcharging, it does not collapse or release heat like lithium cobalt oxide, nor does it produce highly oxidizing substances, ensuring excellent safety. Reports indicate that during actual puncture or short-circuit tests, some samples showed minor combustion, but no explosion incidents were recorded. In comparison, its overcharge safety has significantly improved compared to conventional liquid-electrolyte lithium cobalt oxide batteries.  

2. High-Temperature Performance  

The thermal peak of lithium iron phosphate can reach 350°C to 500°C, while lithium manganese oxide and lithium cobalt oxide only peak at around 200°C. Additionally, it has a broad operating temperature range, functioning reliably between -20°C and +75°C. These characteristics demonstrate its exceptional heat resistance and adaptability to varying temperatures.  

3. Cycle Life  

The cycle life of lithium iron phosphate batteries generally exceeds 2,000 cycles, and some high-performance batteries can achieve even higher numbers. This long cycle life allows them to maintain high performance over extended periods, reducing replacement and maintenance frequency, making lithium iron phosphate batteries a cost-effective energy solution.  

4. Charging Performance  

Lithium iron phosphate batteries support rapid charging, allowing high-current 2C fast charge and discharge. Under a specialized charger, they can achieve full charge within 40 minutes at 1.5C. The starting current can also reach 2C, making them advantageous in applications that require fast charging.  

5. Capacity and Weight  

Lithium iron phosphate batteries offer higher capacity compared to conventional batteries, such as lead-acid batteries. For batteries with the same specifications, the volume of a lithium iron phosphate battery is approximately two-thirds that of a lead-acid battery, and its weight is about one-third, offering a lightweight design advantage.  

6. Environmental Friendliness  

Lithium iron phosphate batteries do not contain harmful substances such as lead, cadmium, or mercury, making them environmentally friendly. Furthermore, they can be recycled, further reducing their environmental impact.  

7. Memory Effect  

Rechargeable batteries often experience a phenomenon called the "memory effect," where their capacity drops significantly below the rated value if they are frequently charged without being fully discharged. This is common in nickel-metal hydride and nickel-cadmium batteries. However, lithium iron phosphate batteries do not have this issue. They can be used as needed, regardless of their charge state, without requiring a full discharge before recharging.  

Despite its many advantages, lithium iron phosphate batteries also have some drawbacks. For instance, their performance in low-temperature environments is relatively poor. The tap density of the cathode material is low, making the volume of lithium iron phosphate batteries larger than lithium cobalt oxide batteries for the same capacity, which is a disadvantage in the micro-battery sector. Additionally, the production and manufacturing costs of lithium iron phosphate batteries are relatively high, and the yield and consistency of finished products are low. These issues limit their application in certain fields.  

While lithium ferric phosphate batteries offer numerous advantages among lithium-ion batteries, there are still areas requiring improvement.