The closed-loop process eliminates several intermediary steps in the traditional cathode manufacturing process and provides significant economic and carbon-reduction benefits. However, a clear mechanistic understanding of the washing process is missing in the literature. Overall, the company plans to invest more than $1 billion in the facility.Īscend Elements uses a patented process known as Hydro-to-Cathode® direct precursor synthesis to manufacture NMC pCAM and cathode active material (CAM) recovered from used lithium-ion batteries and battery gigafactory manufacturing scrap. Washing is a commonly used method to remove surface impurities of cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries. Department of Energy awarded two matching grants totaling $480 million to Ascend Elements to help accelerate construction of the southwest Kentucky facility. The Ascend Elements facility in Hopkinsville, Kentucky will be a one-of-a-kind, sustainable cathode manufacturing facility with capacity to produce NMC pCAM for up to 750,000 electric vehicles per year. In fact, we need to manufacture our own battery materials to secure the supply chain in North America, reduce carbon emissions and ensure our energy independence.' 'There is no reason we can't manufacture critical battery materials like this in the United States. When evaluated as a cathode material for lithium ion batteries (LIBs), these Ni-doped VO 2 (B) exhibited improved lithium storage performance as compared to the pure VO 2 (B). 'Nearly 100% of the world's pCAM is produced in Asia,' said Mike O'Kronley, CEO of Ascend Elements. Abstract Ni-doped VO 2 (B) samples (Ni x VO 2 (B)) were fabricated by a facile one-step hydrothermal method. The deal signals a shift in worldwide battery material supply chains as Ascend Elements builds one of North America's first commercial-scale NMC pCAM manufacturing facilities in southwest Kentucky. Under the terms of the agreement, the customer has the option to expand the contract to a larger quantity with a value of up to $5 billion. company's battery manufacturing process, beginning in Q4 2024. The Ascend Elements facility in Hopkinsville, Kentucky will be a one-of-a-kind, sustainable cathode manufacturing facility with capacity to produce NMC pCAM for up to 750,000 electric vehicles per year.Īscend Elements recently signed a multi-year contract to supply approximately $1 billion worth of sustainable pCAM for use in a major U.S.

Lithium battery cathode material