Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) Technology To Optimise Lithium-Ion Materials Performance
Mineral Commodities Ltd (ASX:MRC) has entered into a non-binding Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) for the use of Forge Nano, Inc.’s proprietary Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) coating technology.
Forge Nano’s surface engineering platform technology will be assessed to apply atomic level coatings to MRC’s precursor natural graphite anode material.
The MOU outlines a future collaboration and commercialisation pathway between the two companies. MRC has identified that ALD coating technology could significantly improve the Company’s active anode materials’ electrochemical performance.
Acting CEO, Russell Tipper, said MRC is planning to build an anode pilot facility before expanding to a single line demonstration plant and is interested in testing the ALD technology.
Material terms of the non-binding MOU include:
• Forge Nano to apply ALD to MRC’s graphite material to evaluate and confirm ALD enhancement.
• Upon successfully demonstrating the Proof-of-Concept, MRC plans to purchase pilot equipment before entering into a Commercial Development Project in which MRC will provide sufficient quantities of material to Forge Nano for engineering and qualification studies for a commercial ALD system.
• Upon completing the Commercial Development Project, MRC will acquire equipment to integrate ALD into its expanded Active Anode Material Plant.
“By combining MRC’s high-quality purified natural graphites from Skaland and Munglinup with Forge Nano’s ALD coating technology, we are exploring the production of a high-performing, cost-competitive graphite anode powder for lithium-ion batteries at scale. We’re excited about the possibility of a long-term partnership as we advance our plans to fast-track to anode production in the coming years,” Mr Tipper said.
“This collaboration enables the company to leverage the technical expertise of its partners as well as the Company’s graphite production as it moves towards demonstrating downstream processes for spheronisation, purification and coating. It has the potential to fast-track our production of sustainable quality anode materials into the Europe battery market.”
Paul Lichty, CEO of Forge Nano, said the high-throughput ALD coating technology will enable MRC to compete with established anode producers globally.
“The collaboration adds to our growing set of partnerships in the graphite anode space, a testament to the value of our technology.”
ALD stabilisation results in better anode powders with higher discharge capacities, longer life, and improved rate performance.
Batteries using ALD-stabilised graphite show increased cycle life, reduced capacity fade, improved conductivity and greater stability under various conditions such as high voltage, fast charge, or high/low-temperature storage and operation.
Additionally, ALD is a potential replacement for carbon coatings on natural graphite powders, a process for which few companies have expertise.
Forge Nano Forge Nano is a US based global leader in surface engineering and precision nano-coating technology, using Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD).
For further information please visit: https://www.mineralcommodities.com/
