
Cabot teams with SAFT on low-cobalt cathodes for lithium-ion batteries
Cobalt is an expensive, critical material that could pose a supply risk in the future. The research projects from the US Department of Energy (DOE), worth $80m, are designed to explore more sustainable, affordable options, and ultimately improve access to electric vehicle technology.
“We are excited to leverage our battery materials manufacturing expertise to expand our existing presence in the batteries and energy materials market. This project will help drive sustainability, innovation and new technologies, which are all crucial elements of our long-term strategy and vision,” said Patricia Hubbard, chief technology officer, Cabot Corp.
The DOE is investing in a total of 42 projects to support advanced vehicle technologies that can enable more affordable mobility, strengthen domestic energy security, reduce dependence on sources of critical materials. Of the $80 million, nearly $32 million has been allocated for battery and electrification initiatives, including $2.9 million for Cabot’s research in aerosol manufacturing technology for low-cobalt lithium-ion battery cathodes.
“Cabot already has an established presence in batteries through our conductive additive formulations and aluminas for cathodes and separators,” explained Miodrag Oljaca, technology director, Cabot Energy Materials. “We are eager to leverage our novel process technologies and battery materials expertise to drive further innovation for next generation batteries, with the goal of enabling low-cobalt or no-cobalt cathode formulations. This work will also help enable the production of low-cost, sustainable batteries for electric vehicles, energy storage and other applications.”
