US-based 6K Energy, a division of 6K, has been awarded a research and development grant of $1.9 million from the Battery Network (BATTNET) Program III from the US Defense Logistics Agency (DLA).

The grant will help the company develop and scale up the production of single-crystal (SC) NMC721 battery cathode powders using 6K’s UniMelt microwave plasma process.

Under the 12-month program, 6K Energy will focus on scaled synthesis, post-processing optimization, and performance validation of SC NMC721, including coin-cell and full-cell testing in partnership with a US-based lithium-ion cell manufacturer.

BATTNET is a Defense Operational Energy Program managed under the Defense Manufacturing Technology (ManTech) Program. The goal of the program is to enhance battery logistics and performance by advancing manufacturing technologies through industry partnerships. It prioritizes strengthening the domestic supply chain, improving safety and shelf life, reducing premature disposal and increasing overall battery availability for defense applications.

SC NMC721 is particularly well-suited for the “All-US” cell voltage window of 2.5-4.35 V and meets demanding defense-relevant performance targets, 6K said.

SC NMC721 offers advantages over polycrystalline alternatives, including the elimination of intergranular cracking and reduced electrolyte reactivity, owing to its lack of grain boundaries and inherently lower surface area. Conventional co-precipitation routes for SC NMC721 typically require long calcination times, flux additives, aggressive post-processing, and generate significant waste, which the UniMelt process is designed to address.

The UniMelt production system is a microwave, production-scale plasma platform that can reduce energy consumption and processing cost by up to 50% compared with traditional nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) production routes, according to the company.

“We are excited about this program on many fronts,” said Dr. Saurabh Ullal, CEO of 6K and President of 6K Energy. “This award recognizes the capabilities of our UniMelt platform and validates our ability to produce NMC721 domestically and sustainably. We appreciate the confidence that the DLA and the BATTNET program have placed in 6K Energy, and we believe this effort will accelerate the delivery of high-performance NMC721 materials critical to our nation’s defense and energy security.”

Source: 6K