LANXESS Enters Battery Chemicals Sector

LANXESS has entered the battery chemistry field through a collaboration with Guangzhou Tinci Materials Technology Co. (Tinci), a leading global manufacturer of lithium-ion battery materials. Starting next year, LANXESS will produce electrolyte formulations for lithium-ion batteries under license from the Chinese company. Electrolyte is responsible for transporting lithium ions in the battery cell and is therefore a critical component of lithium-ion batteries. The high-performance electrolyte formulations from Leverkusen will enable Tinci to serve as a local supplier for battery cell manufacturers in Europe. For production, LANXESS will use a state-of-the-art facility operated by Saltigo, its subsidiary and one of the world's leading specialty manufacturers. At this facility, electrolytes can be formulated to the highest quality requirements. Saltigo will bring its extensive chemical expertise to the partnership while further expanding its experience in electrolyte production.   Anno Borkowsky, Member of the LANXESS Board of Management, said: "Growth in e-mobility is accelerating. Currently, numerous new facilities for battery cell production are being built in Europe. This rapidly growing market presents significant opportunities for LANXESS, particularly in battery chemistry. We already produce many raw materials for battery manufacturing, and our collaboration with Tinci is another step in establishing ourselves in this market." Tinci is one of the world's leading producers of conductive salts and electrolytes, operating three electrolyte formulation production facilities in China and with three additional facilities under construction.

Broad solution portfolio for battery technology

LANXESS currently produces numerous chemicals and materials important in battery cell manufacturing. For example, LANXESS is one of Europe's leading producers of hydrofluoric acid and phosphorus chemicals. Both are key raw materials for the production of high-purity conductive salt lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6). The Group is also working on the commercial extraction of battery-grade lithium in the United States, an important raw material for cathode material and conductive salt production. Lithium will be extracted in an environmentally friendly manner from brine used in bromine extraction at the LANXESS facility in El Dorado, Arkansas.

LANXESS focusing on new mobility

LANXESS sees significant growth opportunities in the market for new mobility. For this reason, LANXESS established a group initiative for e-mobility and circular economy in 2020. Philipp Junge, Head of the LANXESS Initiative, stated: "With this initiative, we are bringing together important future topics where we see strategic potential for LANXESS. Our goal is to develop sustainable, value-creating business models around new mobility and circular economy. The collaboration with Tinci is a promising project in this regard."