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					</table><p>Researchers at <a href="https://www.stanford.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stanford University</a> and the <a href="https://www6.slac.stanford.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory</a> have developed a high-voltage, iron-based cathode material capable of achieving a reversible iron redox transition beyond the conventional ferric ion, also known as iron (III) (Fe³⁺). It represents a step toward high-voltage, cobalt-free, and nickel-free lithium-ion batteries.</p>
<p>The new lithium–iron–antimony oxide compound, identified as Li₄FeSbO₆ (LFSO), exhibits a formal Fe³⁺ to Iron pentacarbonyl (Fe⁵⁺) transition and demonstrates exceptional structural stability and electrochemical performance.</p>
<p><a href="https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Stanford-Tech-article.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-86498 size-full" src="https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Stanford-Tech-article.png" alt="Stanford Tech" width="451" height="301" srcset="https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Stanford-Tech-article.png 451w, https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Stanford-Tech-article-300x200.png 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 451px) 100vw, 451px" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Iron’s Redox Limits</strong></p>
<p>Iron is the most abundant transition metal in the Earth’s crust and a well-established redox element in battery cathodes, such as in LiFePO₄. However, until now, iron-based cathodes have been limited to relatively low-voltage performance due to the Iron (II) (Fe²⁺)/Fe³⁺ redox couple.</p>
<p>Attempts to push iron to higher oxidation states, such as Fe⁴⁺, have faced challenges including structural collapse, oxygen instability, and irreversible side reactions. The Stanford-SLAC team achieved a stable Fe³⁺/Fe⁵⁺ redox process in a lithium-ion intercalation host by precisely controlling the cation ordering of Fe and Sb within the LFSO lattice.</p>
<p>This control enables a two-phase crystallographic transition during lithium extraction and reinsertion, thereby stabilizing high-valent Fe species without triggering oxygen dimerization or other degradation pathways.</p>
<p><strong>Synthesizing the Nanoscale</strong></p>
<p>The researchers synthesized nanoscale LFSO crystals composed of lithium, iron, antimony, and oxygen. The material was produced through a liquid-phase synthesis route designed to yield particles measuring only 300 to 400 nanometers in diameter—approximately forty times smaller than earlier versions.</p>
<p>The reduction in particle size proved critical in maintaining structural integrity during lithium extraction and insertion cycles. Larger crystals tested in prior studies collapsed during charging, as lithium ions departed the lattice, leading to capacity loss and irreversible structural damage.</p>
<p>The nanoscale LFSO, however, exhibited the ability to flex slightly, “bend” rather than break, accommodating the vacancies created by lithium removal and thus preserving the framework for continued operation.</p>
<p>The high-voltage redox couple operates at approximately 4.5 volts versus Li⁺/Li, which is significantly higher than that of conventional iron phosphate cathodes, and delivers a capacity of around 230 mAh per gram. The cell displayed minimal voltage hysteresis, less than 0.1 volts, and excellent resistance to calendar ageing, indicating strong reversibility and long-term stability.</p>
<p><strong>Atomic-Scale Mechanism</strong></p>
<p>To understand the atomic-scale mechanisms behind this performance, the team combined advanced X-ray and neutron diffraction studies with theoretical modeling. Valence-sensitive X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS) revealed a direct Fe³⁺ to Fe⁵⁺ transition described as a 3d⁵ to 3d⁵L² configuration, where “L” denotes ligand holes associated with oxygen atoms.</p>
<p>This indicates that the oxidation process involves metal–ligand charge transfer rather than purely metal-centered oxidation. The negative charge-transfer character of the system suppresses oxygen dimer formation, a common cause of voltage hysteresis and degradation in other lithium-rich oxides.</p>
<p>The team’s computational models confirmed that electron redistribution occurs cooperatively between Fe and O atoms, forming a delocalized redox network across the lattice.</p>
<p>This cooperative charge-compensation mechanism allows Fe ions to reach a formal Fe⁵⁺ state without destabilizing the structure. When cation ordering is disrupted, either by defects or compositional disorder, the Fe³⁺/Fe⁵⁺ redox couple collapses, and unwanted oxygen redox processes become dominant.</p>
<p>These findings establish cation ordering as a fundamental design principle for achieving stable high-valent redox behavior in transition-metal oxides.</p>
<p>According to the study’s co-lead authors, Ramachandran and Mu, the success of this approach depended on precise control over particle size, lattice structure, and synthesis conditions. “Making the particles very small, just 300 to 400 nanometers, was a significant challenge,” said Ramachandran. “We had to grow our crystals out of a carefully formulated liquid to maintain order and stability.”</p>
<p><strong>Industrial Implications</strong></p>
<p>From an industrial perspective, the implications of this discovery are significant. Iron-based lithium-ion batteries currently dominate the market for electric vehicles (EVs) and stationary grid storage, primarily in the form of lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) cathodes.</p>
<p>These batteries are inexpensive and safe, but their limited operating voltage restricts their energy density. By contrast, high-voltage LFSO could bridge the performance gap between LFP and nickel–cobalt-based cathodes while retaining the cost and supply-chain advantages of iron chemistry.</p>
<p>Global production of LFP batteries has surged amid concerns about the supply of cobalt and nickel. Approximately 70% of the world’s cobalt originates from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and much of its output is controlled by China.</p>
<p>Cobalt mining is associated with environmental degradation, deforestation, and child labor, raising significant ethical and sustainability concerns. As a result, more than 40% of lithium-ion batteries manufactured today use lithium–iron–phosphate cathodes. However, these offer relatively low voltage and energy density, forcing manufacturers to design larger or heavier battery packs to meet performance targets.</p>
<p>By pushing the iron oxidation limit further, LFSO could enable lighter, more energy-dense batteries suitable for electric vehicles and large-scale grid applications without relying on cobalt or nickel.</p>
<p>The researchers note that the material’s electronic structure may be relevant to other technologies such as magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic levitation systems, and possibly superconductors.</p>
<p>The high oxidation state of Fe achieved in LFSO could expand the range of energy levels accessible for magnetic and quantum materials. Antimony, a key component of LFSO, remains an expensive and supply-constrained element.</p>
<p>In 2023, Researchers from Stanford University and SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory said they had <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/stanford-find-reason-failure-of-lithium-batteries" target="_blank" rel="noopener">solved</a> the mystery behind the persistent problem of short circuits and failures in new lithium-metal batteries.</p>


Stanford and SLAC Researchers Develop High-Voltage Iron-Based Battery Cathode


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					</table><p>Solar, wind, and battery energy storage systems (BESS) projects in the United States will be eligible for a bonus credit of 10% of the project cost if they meet domestic manufacturing requirements under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).</p>
<p>The <a href="https://home.treasury.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">U.S. Department of the Treasury</a> and the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Internal Revenue Service</a> recently released new guidelines for the domestic content bonus.</p>
<p>Project must have a maximum net output of less than 1 MW, and must have begun construction before January 29, 2023. Alternatively, they satisfy prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements set forth by the IRA to qualify for the bonus.</p>
<p>The bonus applies to projects built using a specified quantity of domestic-produced steel, iron, and manufactured products. The IRA currently <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/inflation-reduction-act-faster-transition-clean-energy-u-s" target="_blank" rel="noopener">offers</a> a tax credit of 30% for renewable energy projects. To qualify, the IRA requires that all iron or steel products for a project be domestically melted and poured and that 40% of the cost of manufactured products be produced in the U.S.</p>
<p>The percentage would rise for projects that start construction after 2024 and eventually reach 55% after 2027.</p>
<p>All steel and iron manufacturing processes in significant structural components must occur in the United States to receive the bonus credit.</p>
<p><strong>Solar</strong></p>
<p>The applicable components that fall under the categorization for solar projects include module racking, pile or ground screw, trackers, module (cells, mounting frame, back rail, glass, encapsulant, back sheet, junction box, edge seals, pottants, adhesives, bus ribbons, and bypass diodes), inverters, and steel or iron rebar in foundation.</p>
<p><strong>BESS</strong></p>
<p>The components for BESS projects include battery pack (cells, packaging, thermal management system, and battery management system), housing, Inverters, and steel or iron rebar in the foundation.</p>
<p><strong><a href="https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Categorization-of-Applicable-Components-for-Solar-and-Battery-Energy-Storage-Projects.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-53936 size-full" src="https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Categorization-of-Applicable-Components-for-Solar-and-Battery-Energy-Storage-Projects.png" alt="Categorization of Applicable Components for Solar and Battery Energy Storage Projects" width="758" height="501" srcset="https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Categorization-of-Applicable-Components-for-Solar-and-Battery-Energy-Storage-Projects.png 758w, https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Categorization-of-Applicable-Components-for-Solar-and-Battery-Energy-Storage-Projects-300x198.png 300w, https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Categorization-of-Applicable-Components-for-Solar-and-Battery-Energy-Storage-Projects-650x430.png 650w, https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Categorization-of-Applicable-Components-for-Solar-and-Battery-Energy-Storage-Projects-624x412.png 624w, https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Categorization-of-Applicable-Components-for-Solar-and-Battery-Energy-Storage-Projects-600x397.png 600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 758px) 100vw, 758px" /></a></strong></p>
<p><strong>Wind</strong></p>
<p>The components for land-based wind facilities include towers, steel or iron rebar in the foundation, wind turbines (nacelle, blades, rotor hubs, and power converters), and wind tower flanges.</p>
<p>The components for offshore wind facilities include towers, jacket foundations, wind tower flanges, wind turbines, transition pieces, monopile, inter-array cables, offshore substations, and export cables.</p>
<p><a href="https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Categorization-of-Applicable-Components-for-Wind-Energy-Projects.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-53934 " src="https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Categorization-of-Applicable-Components-for-Wind-Energy-Projects.png" alt="Categorization of Applicable Components for Wind Energy Projects" width="649" height="569" srcset="https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Categorization-of-Applicable-Components-for-Wind-Energy-Projects.png 702w, https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Categorization-of-Applicable-Components-for-Wind-Energy-Projects-300x263.png 300w, https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Categorization-of-Applicable-Components-for-Wind-Energy-Projects-650x569.png 650w, https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Categorization-of-Applicable-Components-for-Wind-Energy-Projects-624x547.png 624w, https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Categorization-of-Applicable-Components-for-Wind-Energy-Projects-600x526.png 600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 649px) 100vw, 649px" /></a></p>
<p>However, the requirement does not apply to steel or iron subcomponents such as nuts, bolts, screws, and clamps used in renewable energy projects.</p>
<p>These new guidelines are expected to support American manufacturers by incentivizing domestic manufacturing and using American-made products in solar projects.</p>
<p>Recently, the Biden administration <a href="https://mercomindia.com/us-56-million-innovation-solar-manufacturing-recycling/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced</a> $56 million in funding alongside new initiatives to augment the innovation in solar manufacturing and recycling to make energy more cost-effective and create more jobs.</p>


Solar, Wind, BESS Projects Using Made-in-US Content Eligible for a 10% Bonus


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					</table><p>The members of the <a href="https://www.europarl.europa.eu/portal/en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">European Parliament</a> have reached a deal to implement the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) effective 2023, to incentivize non-EU countries to enhance their climate goals and ensure the region’s efforts are not undermined by production being relocated to countries with less competitive policies.</p>
<p>The regulation will initially cover iron and steel, cement, aluminum, fertilizers, and electricity. It will be extended to hydrogen, indirect emissions under certain conditions, specific precursors, and some downstream products such as screws and bolts and similar articles of iron or steel.</p>
<p>The fast-forwarded CBAM regulation intends to assess companies and their products being imported into the EU for indirect emissions.</p>
<p>The first-of-its-kind bill, which complies with the World Trade Organization rules, will be applicable from October 1, 2023. The bill provides for a transition period where the obligations of the importer will be limited to reporting.</p>
<p>Before the end of the transition period, the Commission would assess whether to extend the scope to other goods at risk of carbon leakage, including organic chemicals and polymers, with the goal of including all goods covered by the Emissions Trading System (ETS) by 2030.</p>
<p>The Indian industries, including the commercial and Industrial (C&amp;I) segment, especially those exporting aluminum, iron, and steel to the EU, will have to meet these standards much faster than before.</p>
<p>Even though the segment has seen considerable adoption of renewables, a majority still has to make the transition.</p>
<p>With the CBAM regulations advanced to October 1, 2023, companies in countries like India will have to fast forward their sustainability goal timelines to continue their exports.</p>
<p>CBAM is set up to equalize the price of carbon paid for EU products operating under the ETS and the one for imported goods. It will be achieved by obliging companies that import into the EU to purchase CBAM certificates to pay the difference between the carbon price paid in the country of production and the price of carbon allowances in ETS.</p>
<p>The EU member states and parliamentarians recently <a href="https://mercomindia.com/eu-reaches-deal-on-market-reform-to-cut-emissions-by-2030/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">agreed</a> on a significant ETS reform to help reduce emissions and encourage investments in climate-friendly technologies.</p>
<p>CBAM is part of the “Fit for 55 in 2030 package,&#8221; which is the EU’s plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels in line with the European Climate Law.</p>
<p>Parliament and Council must approve the agreement before the new provision becomes law.</p>


EU’s New Carbon Deal Will Accelerate Exporters’ Transition to Renewables

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