In this interview, Pierre-Etienne Cabelguen shares insights into Umicore’s role in the NEXTCELL project, focusing on the complex process of cathode material development. From the careful design of metal precursors to advanced thermal processing and surface treatments, he outlines the critical steps that ensure high-performance, high-purity materials.
What activities are included behind cathode development?
Cathode development for NEXTCELL is structured around distinct competences and process steps. The first stage involves designing and selecting metal precursors, as they determine the final cathode’s particle size distribution and metal homogeneity. In this case, precursors have been engineered to form large particles, enabling high electrode density. These precursors are then fired with a lithium source and potential additives to form the lithiated metal oxide. Expertise in furnace thermal management is critical at this stage to achieve high-purity materials, while maintaining high yields and throughput. Finally, post-treatments (typically targeting surface reactivity control) are applied. Throughout the process, standard characterization techniques (ICP, XRD, etc.) are used to verify material quality.
How are the material tests progressing?
Umicore has successfully leveraged its expertise in cathode manufacturing to supply the consortium with the required quantity of high-voltage spinel materials. A strategy was adopted to minimize the material’s surface area, thereby reducing surface reactivity while preserving high reversible capacity.
Pierre-Etienne Cabelguen from UMICORE
