The demand for Li-Ion batteries is growing by about 12% annually. Cathode materials are central to performance and safety.

New generations of cathode materials are needed for applications such as telecommunications back-up power or hybrid electric vehicles. These materials have to offer higher energy density, safety and improved efficiency.

BASF is developing a portfolio of application specific cathode materials to support the technology switch to safer battery power:

• More than 2.6 billion Li-Ion battery cells will be produced in 2007
• By 2012, hybrid electric vehicles will be powered by Li-Ion batteries
• Novel cathode materials have ushered in the Li-Ion battery industry.

This material has been approved by several US manufacturers and is under evaluation for further applications.

LNCO-1 is nanocrystalline high energy density material.  It has a nominal capacity of 200 Ah/kg and is available in powder form. It can be premixed with carbon and additives.