Zeon Corporation, a Japanese chemicals corporation, has established a new technology that replaces the conventional method for producing electrodes for lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, setting a target for the commercializing of the materials.
The steady expansion of the lithium-ion battery market, driven by the rising prevalence of electric vehicles (EVs), has generated demand for the development of a low-cost battery production method — with less of an environmental impact.
Zeon has been developing the technology for a dry forming method, an innovative way to produce lithium-ion battery electrodes. Unlike with the conventional wet coating method, an extensive electrode drying process is not required with dry formation, which is expected to reduce CO2 emissions and have a lower capital investment.
While some commercial production processes already incorporate dry formation, Zeon’s method can be applied to both the cathode and anode at a formation speed equal to or faster than wet coating. This method also enables manufacturing electrodes free from contamination of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substance (PFAS). This makes it the world’s first low-environmental-impact technology that complies with the anticipated stricter PFAS regulations.
Zeon is also preparing to build a Li-ion battery binder production line at its Texas plant (via its subsidiary Zeon Chemicals) which is expected to be operational by 2026. Its Li-ion battery binders include anode, cathode, functional layer (for separator coating), and sealant binders and materials for battery cells.
Zeon’s new production line will serve the growing North American and European Li-ion battery markets, locally.
Filed Under: Batteries, R&D, Technology News