NOVONIX Limited and ACP Technologies have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding to develop synthetic graphite anode active materials and expand domestic production of battery-grade materials in North America.
The collaboration will focus on developing pitch-coated synthetic graphite anode active material using domestically sourced carbon precursors. NOVONIX says the material is intended to expand its anode portfolio while improving characteristics including fast-charging performance.
ACP Technologies develops processes that convert petroleum-derived feedstocks into engineered carbon precursors, including pitch materials used in battery and advanced-material applications. Under the agreement, the companies plan to evaluate how these precursor materials can be incorporated into NOVONIX’s synthetic graphite production.
The companies will also work on mass-production process development and further material optimization. Materials produced through the collaboration are expected to be used for process validation and customer sampling as the companies work toward qualification and commercialization.
For electric vehicle (EV) battery applications, graphite serves as the primary anode material in most lithium-ion cells. The properties of the graphite and its surface treatment can influence charging behavior, efficiency, and battery performance, making anode-material development an important part of improving fast-charging capability.
NOVONIX manufactures synthetic graphite anode materials in the US and is expanding its North American production capacity. The collaboration with ACP Technologies is intended to add a domestic source of pitch and carbon precursor materials to that manufacturing chain.
Filed Under: Batteries, Technology News