Strategic R&D partnership announced

The partnership focuses, among other things, on the development of an advanced PFAS-free alternative for electric vehicle batteries that is ready for commercialisation. 

Nanoramic already offers a solution to potential upcoming restrictions in the battery industry through its PFAS-free Neocarbonix electrode technology. Neocarbonix is the only chemistry agnostic and drop-in solution on the market today that eliminates PFAS from both cathode and anode while lowering battery cost, increasing energy density, and reducing charge times.

E-Lyte is developing a customised electrolyte to optimise the performance of Neocarbonix in innovative cell systems. Together, the two companies are advancing an answer to supply chain issues that may be caused by a possible ban on PFAS by offering an alternative high-performance solution for electric vehicle batteries.

“This collaboration signifies our unwavering dedication to driving the mass adoption of EVs by addressing critical challenges in the industry,” said Nanoramic CEO, Eric Kish. “As proposed PFAS restrictions loom, we recognise the paramount importance of continuing to develop PFAS-free battery technology to enable accelerated growth of the EV industry. 

Both companies are also in the process of scaling up their innovative production processes. Neocarbonix enables the manufacture of PFAS-free electrodes using existing wet electrode coating processes. Wet coating advantageously creates porous electrode structures with large surface areas, which is critical to improving battery performance. Wet coating also avoids the use of fine dry powders which can pose safety risks such as dust explosions.

E-Lyte recently announced the expansion of a highly innovative 8,000tpa production plant, which is planned to start operations in Germany as early as the beginning of 2024. In addition, the company is planning a simultaneous expansion into the North American market, also in early 2024.

PFAS, or per and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of chemicals used in a variety of industries, including the battery industry. Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) is PFAS widely used as binder in conventional electrodes. Recently, PFAS have garnered attention from agencies such as the European Chemical Agency (ECHA) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The ECHA has proposed restrictions that may impact lithium-ion and dry electrode processes and both agencies will continue to evaluate various classes of PFAS for further restriction. In response to such policies, battery manufacturers are seeking PFAS alternatives to prepare for a supply chain shift.