Golden Dragon Capital Limited

Carbon-based anodes, particularly synthetic and natural graphite, remain the most widely used materials due to their favorable electrochemical properties. Synthetic graphite is favored for high-performance applications in power batteries due to its excellent cycle life and safety characteristics. Non-carbon anode materials, such as silicon-based anodes, show promise due to their higher theoretical capacities (up to 4200 mAh/g). However, challenges such as cost, volume expansion during cycling, and safety concerns hinder their widespread adoption at this stage. The key driver behind the industry is the graphitisation process, it determines the performance of synthetic graphite anodes. Innovations in processing methods, such as transitioning from traditional crucible furnaces to box or continuous furnaces, enhances production efficiency and reduces cash costs significantly. As graphitisation accounts for a substantial portion of the production costs of synthetic graphite anodes. Self-supply rates for graphitisation are increasing as manufacturers seek to reduce reliance on outsourced processing, which has been a significant cost driver. Furhtermore, in recent years, anode material prices have experienced volatility due to supply-demand imbalances. After reaching peaks in early 2022, prices have begun to stabilize as production capacity increases. For example, high-end synthetic graphite prices were reported at around 63,000 CNY per tonne in March 2023, reflecting a decline from previous highs. China dominates the market where a few key players collectively hold a significant market share, not only leading by way of production volumes but also in technological advancements. Moreover, major manufacturers are forming partnerships with raw material suppliers to secure stable inputs and reduce costs. This vertical integration is crucial for maintaining competitiveness in a rapidly evolving market. This underscores the dynamic nature of the global anode material industry as it adapts to technological advancements and changing market demands driven by the electrification of the transportation and renewable energy storage sectors. Read more: https://lnkd.in/ghZUFdy9 #Lithiumbatteries

After many weeks, GDC has finally updated its ternary cathode material market research report. Ternary cathode material is a key component material used to produce lithium-ion batteries. It is composed of nickel, cobalt, and manganese (NCM) or nickel, cobalt, and aluminum (NCA). Ternary cathode material has gained significant attention due to its high energy density, improved thermal stability, and overall performance in various applications, especially in electric vehicles and energy storage systems. Ternary cathode materials can be classified based on their composition: NCM Types: NCM333, NCM523, NCM622, NCM811 NCA Type: Lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (NCA) Nickel Content Classification: Low-medium nickel (<60 mol.% Ni) Medium-high nickel (60-80 mol.% Ni) High-nickel (80-90 mol.% Ni) Ultra-high nickel (≥90 mol.% Ni) The classification influences the electrochemical properties and stability of the materials. Higher nickel content generally leads to increased capacity but may compromise cycle life and safety. Advantages include: 1) High Energy Density: The energy density increases with higher nickel content; for example, NCM811 can achieve energy densities between 244–300 Wh/kg. 2) Voltage Stability: Ternary materials can operate at higher voltages (up to 4.2V), enhancing their capacity compared to alternatives like lithium iron phosphate (LFP). 3) Low Temperature Performance: Ternary cathodes maintain better performance at low temperatures compared to other cathode materials. Disadvantages include: 1) Safety Concerns: High-nickel compositions face challenges such as thermal instability and risks of thermal runaway due to oxygen release during high-voltage operation. 2) Performance Degradation: Issues such as cation mixing, microcracking, and phase transitions can lead to capacity fade over time. The stability of high-nickel materials is particularly affected during cycling. Ongoing research aims to optimise the synthesis methods of ternary materials to enhance their performance while addressing safety concerns. Innovations such as element doping and surface coatings are being explored to improve stability and reduce degradation during cycling. By 2025, global demand for ternary batteries is projected to have a compound annual growth rate of around 40.76% from 2021 to 2025. This growth is driven by increasing applications in electric vehicles and energy storage systems. Overall, ternary cathode materials represent a critical component in the advancement of lithium-ion battery technology, balancing performance with safety and cost considerations as the industry evolves towards higher energy density solutions. Read more: https://lnkd.in/ghZUFdy9 #nickel #cobalt #manganese #lithium

After many weeks, GDC has finally updated its Precursor Cathode Active Material (pCAM) comprehensive industry research report. What is pCAM? It is one of the most important technologies associated with high-performance ternary lithium-ion batteries. It is a powder-like substance created by combining nickel, cobalt, and manganese compounds. It serves as the precursor to cathode active materials (CAM), which are essential for lithium-ion batteries. The dominant method for synthesising pCAM is the hydroxide co-precipitation method. This technique allows for precise control over the elemental composition and morphology, crucial for achieving desired electrochemical properties in batteries. The product performance of pCAM directly affects the final battery product. Many influences impact on product performance such as: Ammonia concentration: Affects particle morphology and tap density. pH Value: Critical for controlling nucleation and growth rates during synthesis. Reaction Temperature and Time: Higher temperatures can enhance reaction rates but must be controlled to avoid oxidation. Material Properties: Increasing nickel content in high-nickel ternary materials can lead to mixed arrangements with lithium ions, impacting capacity and stability. Modifications through doping or surface coatings are often employed to mitigate these effects. Innovations in synthesis methods, such as core-shell structures and single-crystal designs, are being explored to enhance performance metrics like energy density and cycle life. In terms of the market, it is highly concentrated, with the top five producers accounting for 75% of the market share. The pCAM industry follows a cost-plus model, influenced significantly by raw material costs (nickel, cobalt, manganese). Recent trends show a narrowing price gap between ternary batteries and LFP batteries due to declining nickel and cobalt prices. Increasing demand for high-performance lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles and consumer electronics is expected to drive growth in the pCAM sector. As manufacturers focus on improving battery efficiency and safety, the demand for high-nickel and single-crystal pCAM will likely rise. These insights underline the strategic importance of pCAM in the evolving landscape of battery technology and its critical role in supporting the transition towards electrification and sustainable energy solutions. Read more: https://lnkd.in/ghZUFdy9 #nickel #cobalt #manganese #lithium

Coating polyolefin separators significantly enhances their performance in lithium-ion batteries by improving thermal stability, mechanical strength, and puncture resistance. This modification is crucial for preventing contact between the cathode and anode due to separator shrinkage, which can cause short circuits from lithium dendrites during long-term cycling. Lithium-ion battery separators are vital for safety; however, the low thermal deformation temperatures of polyethylene (80–85°C) and polypropylene (100°C) lead to substantial shrinkage under high temperatures and vibrations, increasing the risk of short circuits and hazards like spontaneous combustion. Coating technology addresses these issues by enhancing separators' thermal stability, mechanical strength, puncture resistance, liquid retention, and wettability. Coated separators demonstrate superior thermal stability compared to conventional ones. As the demand for advanced lithium-ion battery separators rises with the growth of electric vehicles and energy storage systems, coating processes have become essential. Contemporary polymer-based coatings mitigate polarization risks within batteries, improving high-power charge and discharge performance. High melting point coatings further enhance product safety. Overall, these advancements contribute to increased cycle life, prolonged service duration, and improved charge and discharge capabilities. #lithiumbatteries #aluminium

Ni-rich layered oxides have two major disadvantages (1) performance degradation, and (2) safety hazard, which accompany whole life of the battery, especially in operating and storing near the fully charged (delithiated) state or at high temperature. Both disadvantages arise from problems and challenges associated with residual lithium compounds, Ni/Li cationic mixing (disordering), oxygen evolution and resultant reactions with electrolyte components, layered-spinel-rock salt phase transition, transition metal ion dissolution, microcracking of secondary particle structure and thermal runaway resulting in the rapid degradation of cycle life performance. Studies related to the performance degradation of high-nickel cathode materials have shown that crystal structure phase changes, microcracking, and particle fragmentation are the main causes of performance degradation. The thermal decomposition temperature of the fully charged lithium iron phosphate material is about 700oC while thermal decomposition temperature of ternary material is 200-300oC and the complete charge-discharge cycle times of a lithium iron phosphate battery can reach 4,000, while a ternary lithium battery will begin to experience battery capacity decay when the complete charge-discharge cycle is greater than 1500 times. #nickel #cobalt #manganese #lithium

Taking aluminium, an important raw material, as an example, precision structural parts have detailed regulations on the chemical composition, dimensional deviation, mechanical properties, appearance quality, inspection rules, packaging and transportation of aluminium. Compared with the dozens of grades of aluminium for general industrial use, there are only 4 grades of aluminium for power batteries, namely 1050, 1060, 3003, and 3005. The states, types, and dimensional specifications corresponding to different grades must match the specific tensile strength, extension strength, elongation after fracture, and deviation rate to meet the national standards for structural parts. #aluminium #lithiumbatteries

An alternate route is to coat the modified material on the surface of the ternary cathode in an inorganic system. Through an inorganic coating tank, the ternary cathode and pure water are placed in a coating tank in a certain proportion. After the ternary cathode particles are evenly dispersed in the water by stirring, the coating material is slowly added at a suitable temperature and pH to make it evenly coated on the surface of the ternary cathode. #nickel #cobalt #manganese #lithium

Lithium-ion battery structural parts exhibit strong customization attributes, leading to lengthy product certification cycles between suppliers and customers. Once a stable cooperative relationship is established, adjustments become challenging, creating high barriers for customer retention. Close collaboration with leading gigafactory customers is crucial for securing consistent order demand and expanding market presence. From the perspective of gigafactory customers, particularly international high-end firms, the supplier qualification process typically spans 3 to 5 years. This long certification period, coupled with high initial development and replacement costs, fosters strong customer loyalty. Precision safety structural parts are vital for battery safety and stability, necessitating rigorous technical certification that can take 1-3 years. Gigafactories often conduct thousands of cycle tests, requiring retesting if defects are identified. Once a supplier is certified by a reputable company, a trusted supply chain partnership usually develops due to the critical nature of these components and the associated risks and costs of switching suppliers. Consequently, downstream companies meticulously evaluate potential suppliers based on historical performance and capabilities. Major gigafactory companies like BYD, ATL, CALB, EVE Energy, LGES, and Panasonic leverage their comparative advantages in supplier selection to ensure quality and efficiency while maintaining stable supply chains and avoiding detrimental competition. Certification standards assess technical capabilities, product quality, management proficiency, and overall business acumen. For instance, EVE Energy's supplier selection process involves quotation screening, sample approval, quality system evaluations, and small batch confirmations. Approved suppliers are monitored regularly by Internal Quality Control engineers to enhance quality and foster long-term cooperative relationships. #lithiumbatteries #nickel #cobalt #manganese

In the second method, a Ni–Co precursor synthesized by the co-precipitation method is mixed with an Al source (nanosized Al2O3 or Al(OH)3) and lithium hydroxide as the lithium source. This mixed powder is calcined at high temperature to obtain the NCA cathode material. However, the NCA prepared by this method is degraded by uneven distribution of the Al elements caused by the limited solid-phase diffusion, and surface passivation caused by the excessive inert Al-containing surface layer. These defects reduce the electrochemical performance of the synthesized NCA. #nickel #cobalt #aluminium #manganese #lithium

During production, the lithium-ion battery top cover and casing first go through the procurement stage, then to process processing, inspection, and finally warehousing. The initial mold development or standardised application is carried out according to customer customisation or industry standardisation, of which, the production of the top cover requires different processes according to different materials. The compounding of metal materials requires stamping, cleaning, annealing, and welding, whereas the plastic-based materials require production capacity processing and injection molding. Other component materials of the sealing ring are directly put into the warehouse. The shell is generally made of aluminium, which is inspected and put into warehouse after stamping, stretching, mouth cutting, and cleaning. #lithiumbatteries #nickel #cobalt #manganese