Battery materials and technology company NOVONIX and UK-based ICoNiChem Widnes, which produces cobalt and nickel salts, have signed a collaboration agreement to develop nickel-based cathode active materials (CAM).

The two-year project, with a total budget of C$515,686 ($373,687) between the two companies, aims to further improve the sustainability of NOVONIX’s technology by incorporating recycled metal feedstock, such as cobalt and nickel carbonates and oxides, into the process.

ICoNiChem will provide recycled metal feedstocks for NOVONIX’s all-dry, zero-waste cathode synthesis process, to compare and demonstrate optimal cathode powder performance while reducing reliance on primary battery materials.

The project will use NOVONIX’s cathode pilot line and other services from NOVONIX Battery Technology Solutions, a Canadian division of the company, to support the characterization of project materials including their physical and electrochemical performance. The materials will be built into full-scale pouch cells to benchmark performance relative to other leading cathode materials.

NOVONIX and ICoNiChem have been selected for funding under the 2024 Canada-UK critical minerals call for proposals, which is focused on advancing projects related to the supply of critical minerals essential for industries like renewable energy, electric vehicles and electronics.

NOVONIX may enter into commercial agreements for ICoNiChem products to integrate recycled feed into its CAM production processes if certain milestones are completed.

“NOVONIX will utilize its patented all-dry, zero-waste synthesis process to synthesize, test, and analyze cathode active materials that will incorporate ICoNiChem’s recycled cobalt and nickel,” said Chris Burns, CEO of NOVONIX. “Our involvement reflects our continued commitment to advancing sustainable solutions, reducing cathode processing cost, and strengthening the critical mineral supply chain across North America, the UK and beyond.”

Source: NOVONIX