Battery materials

Cathode active materials usually consist of mixed metal oxides. In the first step of the synthesis, various metal salts are precipitated using sodium hydroxide. 

Our physical laboratory scientist examines a sample he took from the fully automated sampler. By means of analytical methods, he can determine the particle size distribution of the sample, which significantly influences the properties of the end product.

Globally, BASF is conducting research into innovative cathode materials that make electromobility a reality. Scientists at our research site in Amagasaki, Japan, examine a cathode active material produced in the laboratory.

Scanning electron microscope image of a Nickel-Cobalt-Aluminium (NCA) cathode active material: The different sizes of the individual spheres result in a particularly dense packing of the spheres in the cathode. A high packing density results in high energy density – the prerequisite for a longer driving range of electric cars.

Chemical laboratory scientists make preparations to weld the pouch cell completely. These mini test batteries are used for investigating the long-term stability of cathode active materials.

Chemical laboratory scientists examine pouch cell containing cathode material from BASF. The lithium-ion battery of an electric car can contain a few hundreds of such cells. 

For the production of small test batteries, the cathode active material paste is poured on an aluminum foil. The cast film will then be dried and compacted. Later it will become the cathode, the positive pole of a lithium-ion battery (Shanghai, China).

Long-term investigation of small test batteries under well-controlled temperature conditions: these small test batteries already provide very precise data to evaluate the performance over the entire lifespan of the battery in an electric car (Shanghai, China).

Scanning electron microscope image of an advanced cathode active materials for high-performance batteries. It consists of tiny particles that are just micrometers in size. The chemical composition and morphology of the particles is adjusted in such a way that they have both a high energy density and an open crystal structure. This allows electric cars to travel longer distances and be charged faster.

In addition to cathode active materials for lithium-ion batteries, BASF is working on components for next-generation batteries, such as all-solid-state batteries.

Chemical laboratory scientists discuss the next steps to measure the conductivity of a solid electrolyte. This value is later used in the calculation of the specific conductivity, an important parameter for characterizing the battery.