Date 2014-04-09

 

Germany-based BASF is in talks with TODA KOGYO, a Japan-based cathode materials manufacturer, to establish a joint-venture (JV) for cathode active materials (CAM).

The proposed JV, which will be based in Japan, will produce and sell a wide range of cathode materials, including nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (NCA), lithium manganese oxide (LMO) and nickel cobalt manganese (NCM), which are used in lithium-ion batteries.

It would bring together the CAM businesses of TODA KOGYO and BASF, as well as intellectual property and production sites in Japan, to provide an extensive portfolio of cathode materials.

BASF will own a majority stake in the proposed JV.

BASF catalysts division president Kenneth Lane said: "This proposed JV with TODA KOGYO reinforces BASF's commitment to explore a broad range of opportunities to accelerate growth and expansion in the global battery materials market.

"We look forward to working with TODA KOGYO to establish a mutually rewarding partnership, allowing us to combine our manufacturing and innovation expertise to best support our global growth ambitions."

"BASF will own a majority stake in the proposed JV."

TODA KOGYO president Tadashi Kubota said: "Product development, quality, productivity and supply capacity are vital factors to drive growth in the lithium-ion battery market.

"Synergies from the JV between BASF and TODA KOGYO will greatly strengthen these four key factors, and we will be the ideal partners to meet the demands of such a high-growth market."

Lithium-ion batteries are primarily used in the automotive, consumer electronics and stationary storage sectors.

 

Source: Chemicals Technology

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