Austrian Phoenics project targets advanced LMFP battery technology

An Austrian research consortium has launched the Phoenics project, a €2.9 million initiative aimed at developing lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP) cells for stationary battery energy storage systems. The 36-month project seeks to increase cell energy density by 20% and extend service life by 40% compared to conventional lithium iron phosphate (LFP) technology.

By adding manganese to the LFP chemistry, the new LMFP material increases operating voltage and energy density while avoiding the use of cobalt and nickel. The research will utilize high-resolution imaging and AI-assisted analysis to investigate material behavior, aging mechanisms, and scalability.

Coordinated by Graz-based Virtual Vehicle Research, the consortium includes partners Varta Innovation, Materials Center Leoben Forschung (MCL), and AVL List. Nearly €2 million of the funding is provided by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency under its Energieforschung 2024 programme.