Johnson Matthey and Nano One partner for Li-ion battery materials development

by John Shepherd
Johnson Matthey's Battery Technology Centre, Oxford. Inset (top) Christian Günther and Dan Blondal. Photos: JM / Nano One
Johnson Matthey (JM) is to co-develop next generation products and processes for its enhanced lithium nickel oxide (eLNO) cathode materials with Canadian lithium battery cathode materials producer Nano One.

The companies have signed a joint development agreement to use Nano One’s patented ‘One-Pot’ process and coated nanocrystal technology, to produce high-performance lithium-ion battery cathode materials.

The partners said the agreement signals a "significant milestone” in their business relationship – which will see them launch a "detailed commercialisation study for pre-pilot, pilot and scaled-up production”, following technical reviews and initial evaluations of Nano One’s high nickel cathode materials and IP conducted over the past year.

'Sustainability'

Nano One’s One-Pot process is designed to form a type of cathode material – "coated single crystal” – for increased durability. The process enables these materials to be made directly from metal powders and lithium carbonate.

JM’s battery materials CEO Christian Gűnther said Nano One’s technology "has the potential to offer significant advantages in terms of product performance, sustainability and manufacturing cost for our eLNO family of advanced cathode materials”.

'Common vision'

Dan Blondal, CEO of Nano One, said the companies shared "a common vision to develop and commercialise a highly differentiated and value-added cathode materials business”.

"Our business is primed for such opportunities and we look forward to advancing this partnership and its joint development programme.”

The partnership announcement comes just weeks after Nano One entered into an agreement to use niobium from Brazil-based CBMM as a coating for "demanding applications” such as electric vehicle batteries.

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