Through its Ovonic battery materials unit, BASF Corp., Iselin, N.J., has agreed to license its technology for cathode precursor materials used in lithium-ion batteries to OM Group (OMG) on a royalty basis.  

Based in Rochester Hills, Mich., OMG is a leader in the production of nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery technology and a producer of cathode materials and precursors for both NiMH and lithium-ion batteries.  

“We are pleased to establish a process and materials licensing agreement with OMG following the successful completion of a joint development program that has proven the applicability of Ovonic’s technology in meeting OMG’s exacting requirements,” said Ralf Meixner, senior vice-president of BASF’s Battery Materials business.  “We remain committed to driving our customers’ success by providing low-cost, high-yield solutions for the manufacture of high-quality cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries.”

“We have found Ovonic’s proprietary manufacturing process to be a flexible, cost-effective solution for OMG,” said Steve Dunmead, vice president and general manager, Specialties, OMG.  “The Ovonic license allows for the production of a wide range of cathode precursor materials including nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM) and nickel-cobalt-aluminum (NCA) chemistries for lithium-ion batteries, which provides a strong fit with our business needs.”