Lithium Australia’s cathode material manufacturing process granted patent

According to the firms, for the past two years, VSPC has simplified its process for the production of lithium metal phosphate cathode powders, enabling the use of a broader range of raw materials as feed.

The result of such work – they say – has significantly reduced the cost of manufacturing lithium-ferro-phosphate and other lithium metal phosphate materials, among them lithium-manganese-iron-phosphate. 

“Acceptance of the patent application for the production of phosphate-based cathode materials for LIBs is a great step forward for the company,” Lithium Australia managing director, Adrian Griffin, said in the media brief. “Lithium Australia/VSPC can now provide practical solutions for electric vehicle manufacturers seeking cobalt-free batteries.”

According to Griffin, his team has also developed LMFP materials, which have the potential to be used for phosphate-based, nickel- and cobalt-free batteries to achieve the high energy densities needed for e-mobility applications. 

“Patent protection will provide us with a significant cost advantage in the production cycle of what is currently the most rapidly expanding sector of the battery industry,” the executive said.