BASF announces launch of commercial LFP cathode materials production in Germany

BASF today announces the launch of commercial production of LFP (lithium iron phosphate) cathode materials in Weimar, Germany. BASF is operating a 3,000 metric ton (MT) per year plant in Weimar, leveraging LFP precursors produced at the BASF headquarters site in Ludwigshafen, Germany. IBU-Tec, a specialist in rotary kiln technology and systems, is carrying out operations at the Weimar manufacturing plant under the supervision and full operational control of BASF.

BASF’s innovative LFP materials are used in the production of advanced lithium-ion batteries (LiBs) for various applications, providing advanced power and safety characteristics. LFP is a valuable extension of BASF’s LiB cathode materials portfolio which includes NCM (Nickel Cobalt Manganese), produced at a BASF manufacturing plant in Elyria, Ohio.

BASF’s HED™ LFP is produced using a proprietary process developed by BASF to ensure superior performance of the product as well as superior batch-to-batch consistency.

BASF has a long-term license with global rights for the production and sale of LFP battery materials technology from LiFePO4+C Licensing AG, Muttenz, Switzerland, an affiliate of Clariant AG. LiFePO4+C has the leading global patent portfolio in LFP technology.  BASF is also licensed by Argonne National Laboratory, the global leader in NCM technology, to produce and sell advanced NCM materials.

BASF is building up a broad portfolio of battery materials technology, supporting its long-term objective of becoming the leading provider of functional materials and components to serve cell and battery manufacturers worldwide. For more information: www.catalysts.basf.com/batterymaterials.