L&F Plus Targets Precursor-Free LFP Cathode Production

South Korean battery materials company L&F announced on November 2 that its subsidiary L&F Plus had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Hyundai Steel on October 30. The agreement establishes cooperation on the supply of iron oxide for lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathode materials. L&F Plus plans to use the supplied material to develop a manufacturing process capable of producing LFP cathode materials without requiring a conventional precursor.

The proposed process eliminates the iron phosphate (FP) precursor stage typically used in conventional LFP cathode production. Instead of first manufacturing the FP precursor, the process directly reacts iron oxide, a by-product of steelmaking, with lithium and phosphate raw materials. This approach is intended to enable the production of LFP cathode materials through an alternative manufacturing route that bypasses the conventional precursor stage.

L&F Plus aims to begin mass production using the proposed process in the first quarter of 2028. However, the timeline remains subject to technology development and validation. The company also plans to secure production space at its LFP plant to support the intended manufacturing operations.

Industry Impact & Outlook

The collaboration between L&F Plus and Hyundai Steel highlights an alternative approach to LFP cathode manufacturing that directly utilizes iron oxide, a steelmaking by-product. By targeting the elimination of the iron phosphate precursor stage, the proposed process could change the conventional sequence of LFP cathode material production. The partnership also establishes a supply cooperation framework between a battery materials manufacturer and a steel producer. However, the commercial significance of this approach will depend on successful technology development, validation and the company's ability to achieve its targeted mass production start in the first quarter of 2028.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did L&F Plus and Hyundai Steel agree to?
L&F Plus and Hyundai Steel signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate on supplying iron oxide for lithium iron phosphate cathode materials. The agreement was signed on October 30 and announced by L&F on November 2. L&F Plus intends to use the iron oxide to develop a manufacturing process that eliminates the conventional iron phosphate precursor stage. The collaboration establishes the intended material supply arrangement for this alternative production process.

What is the precursor-free LFP cathode production process?
The proposed process manufactures lithium iron phosphate cathode materials without using the conventional iron phosphate precursor stage. Instead, it directly reacts iron oxide with lithium and phosphate raw materials. The iron oxide used in the process is a by-product of steelmaking. L&F Plus plans to develop this alternative manufacturing method as part of its efforts to produce LFP cathode materials through a simplified precursor-free production route.

What role will Hyundai Steel play in the collaboration?
Hyundai Steel will cooperate with L&F Plus on the supply of iron oxide required for developing the proposed precursor-free LFP cathode manufacturing process. The material is a by-product of steelmaking and is intended to serve as a direct input alongside lithium and phosphate raw materials. The October 30 memorandum of understanding establishes the companies' cooperation on this supply arrangement. The announcement does not specify supply volumes or commercial delivery schedules.

When does L&F Plus plan to begin mass production?
L&F Plus is targeting the first quarter of 2028 to begin mass production using its proposed precursor-free LFP cathode manufacturing process. This timeline is conditional on successful technology development and validation. The company also plans to secure production space at its LFP plant to support the intended manufacturing activities. The target therefore represents a planned production milestone rather than confirmation that commercial manufacturing has already begun.