Michel Armand, current Honorary Scientific Director at CIC energiGUNE, is one of those pioneers whose contributions have been essential in shaping the world of energy storage as we know it today. His role in the development of lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄, LFP) batteries has left an indelible mark on the history of modern electrochemistry.

Throughout an extraordinary scientific career, Michel Armand played a decisive role in advancing lithium technologies, but it was his work around LFP that truly marked a turning point. While the structure of LiFePO₄ was identified in 1996 by the team of John B. Goodenough, the material’s limited electrical conductivity threatened to hinder its practical application. It was then that Armand, with his customary blend of rigor and creativity, devised a revolutionary solution: coating LFP particles with a thin layer of conductive carbon. This innovative approach significantly improved the material’s conductivity, making it viable for use in rechargeable batteries.

This technical breakthrough was much more than an incremental improvement; it represented a true unlocking of LFP’s commercial potential. His ability to foresee not only discoveries but also their practical applications proved crucial in taking LFP from the lab to the energy storage systems that today support the global energy transition.

The consolidation of LFP: from lab to global market

Thanks to the scientific foundations laid by Michel Armand and other pioneers, LFP batteries have evolved from an academic promise into one of the most widely adopted technologies in strategic sectors. Their qualities—outstanding thermal stability, exceptional lifespan, and a composition based on abundant and safe materials—have made them particularly attractive for electric mobility and stationary storage.

Today, lithium iron phosphate batteries are the preferred choice in many markets for mid-range electric vehicles and stationary applications. China has led their adoption, with manufacturers such as CATL and BYD at the forefront, while Western companies like Tesla have also embraced this chemistry in models designed to maximize competitiveness. Robustness, lower cost, and operational safety have made LFP an increasingly popular solution in a context of accelerated electrification.

It is difficult to imagine this evolution without Michel Armand’s initial innovation. The carbon coating, his development to overcome LFP’s limitations, and his drive toward industrialization are now the very foundations upon which applications ranging from electric vehicles to large-scale renewable storage installations are built. Every LFP cell that powers a car, supports a hospital, or balances an electric grid today carries the imprint of that essential scientific breakthrough.

Moreover, the outlook for LFP continues to grow: its combination of reliability, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability positions it as a key element for achieving the ambitious energy transition goals of the coming decades.

A living legacy: Michel Armand and his drive for scientific development at CIC energiGUNE

Far from being limited to his past contributions, Michel Armand continues today, as Honorary Scientific Director at CIC energiGUNE, to promote the advancement of energy storage technologies. From this position, he not only offers his knowledge and strategic vision but remains actively involved in the scientific direction of the center, inspiring cutting-edge research projects aimed at new generations of more efficient, safer, and more sustainable batteries.

CIC energiGUNE, one of Europe’s most recognized research centers in energy storage, greatly benefits from Armand’s living legacy. His expertise and visionary approach are key to identifying priority research lines, boosting technology transfer to industry, and consolidating strategic alliances on an international scale.

Michel Armand’s impact thus goes beyond his historical contribution: his active influence strengthens the innovation ecosystem that will enable the world to face the new challenges of the energy transition. In a world where the need for affordable, safe, and environmentally friendly energy solutions is more urgent than ever, having the intellectual drive of figures like Armand represents an invaluable advantage.

His legacy, built on rigorous research, a passion for knowledge, and a commitment to progress, is more alive than ever. Every breakthrough emerging from the lab, every project seeking to redefine the limits of storage technology, draws on the scientific and human legacy that Michel Armand has forged throughout his career.

Ultimately, the path of lithium iron phosphate from laboratory to becoming a pillar of the global energy transition cannot be understood without Michel Armand’s contribution. And today, in his role at CIC energiGUNE, he continues to fuel that journey, ensuring that innovation in energy storage moves forward with the strength, solidity, and vision that have always defined his work.