ARGONNE, Ill. and FLORHAM PARK, N.J. – The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory and BASF, the world’s largest chemical company, have signed a world-wide licensing agreement to mass produce and market Argonne’s patented composite cathode materials to manufacturers of advanced lithium-ion batteries.
BASF will conduct further lithium-ion battery material application development in its current Beachwood, Ohio, facility.
Contingent upon winning a DOE grant under Recovery Act – Electric Drive Vehicle Battery and Component Manufacturing Initiative (DE-FOA-0000026), BASF plans to build one of North America’s largest cathode material production facilities in Elyria, Ohio.
The patented cathode materials licensed to BASF are part of a large and diverse suite of lithium-ion battery inventions and patents developed at Argonne with funding from DOE’s Vehicle Technologies Program. The further development and commercialization of the cathode materials will result in advanced batteries that are higher-performing, longer-lasting and safer when compared to the existing technology that has dominated the market for nearly two decades.
The cathode material licensed from the DOE has been shown to be a material of choice among the largest North American and Asian cell manufacturers that are actively engaged in providing lithium-ion battery solutions to the automotive and other commercial marketplaces. The impact of such a facility is anticipated to be significant as the facility construction and staffing will have a positive economic impact for Ohio and will attract more businesses to North America.
“BASF is excited to begin this partnership with Argonne National Laboratory as we look to advance the lithium-ion battery market in North America,” said Joseph Breunig, BASF Corp. president of market and business development. “The aim of our application development team in Beachwood, Ohio, along with our funding proposal to DOE for a world class facility in Elyria, Ohio, is to make lithium-ion battery use realistic, affordable and widely available. Partnerships like this are exactly the type of public-private investment commitment that will create a more sustainable environment, help move the economy forward, and create new jobs.”
"This licensing agreement has the potential to put the United States several steps closer to reaching President Obama’s goal of having 1 million Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles on the road by 2015," said Argonne Director Eric Isaacs. "The transfer of Argonne developed battery technology to BASF provides a stellar example of why DOE invests taxpayer dollars into scientific research and development. When federally-funded R&D is commercialized, it enhances our economic competitiveness, energy security and quality of life through innovations in science and technology."
“The strong relationship between BASF and Argonne National Laboratory will accelerate our efforts to commercialize lithium-ion battery materials,” said Dr. Thomas Weber, Managing Director, BASF Future Business. “It will strengthen our competencies, speed up our efforts and show our continued commitment within BASF’s Energy Management cluster. Together we are taking a major step forward in cultivating economically viable opportunities to provide an already proven source of clean energy in North America.”
