TECHNOLOGY
Water-Based Cathode Manufacturing Technology
Overview
NMP-Free, Low-Environmental-Impact Cathode Manufacturing
Combining High Performance with Sustainability.
We are developing a water-based process that replaces the organic solvent NMP, conventionally used in lithium-ion battery cathode manufacturing, with water. Our goal is to reduce environmental impact and manufacturing costs while maintaining high battery performance.
01
Reduced Environmental Impact and Cost
02
Improved Safety and Working Environment
03
Advanced Dispersion and Coating Technology
Features
Significant Reduction in Environmental Impact and Cost（Eco & Cost）
- NMP-free: Eliminates organic solvents, suppresses VOC emissions, and supports compliance with environmental regulations.
- Energy savings: Eliminates the solvent recovery process, significantly reducing the energy and cost required for drying and recovery.
- Simplified equipment: Reduces initial investment and operating costs by simplifying explosion-proof equipment and recovery systems.
Improved Safety and Working Environment（Safety）
Comparison of Organic-Solvent and Water-Based Cathode Manufacturing Processes
Reduced environmental impact and improved safety — lower equipment and operating costs
| Comparison Item | Organic-Solvent Process | Water-Based Process |
|---|---|---|
| Productivity | Organic-Solvent ProcessHigh | Water-Based ProcessHigh |
| Power Consumption | Organic-Solvent ProcessHigh Solvent recovery and recycling required | Water-Based ProcessLow Can be manufactured under normal conditions |
| Cost | Organic-Solvent ProcessHigh Investment required for recovery, recycling, and worker-protection equipment | Water-Based ProcessApprox. JPY 500 million reduction per GWh per year |
| Safety | Organic-Solvent ProcessSafety measures required Flammable and harmful to humans | Water-Based ProcessSafe |
| Environmental Impact | Organic-Solvent ProcessHigh Potential emissions of VOCs such as NOx | Water-Based ProcessLow Approx. 600 t-CO₂ reduction per GWh per year |
- The absence of flammable solvents reduces fire risk and improves safety at manufacturing sites.
Advanced Dispersion and Coating Technology（Technology）
Slurry formulation (dispersion and viscosity) optimized for coating while addressing corrosion of aluminum current collectors caused by alkalization of water-based coatings
- Drawing on years of expertise, we optimize dispersion, viscosity control, and electrode adhesion for technically demanding water-based cathode slurries, achieving battery performance comparable to conventional processes.
Development Approach
Rather than simply replacing the solvent, we create high-quality water-based electrodes through the following multifaceted optimization.
Our Technical Approach
- Selection and optimization of water-based binders: Balancing adhesion and battery performance
- Advanced dispersion control: Forming a uniform network of active materials and conductive additives
- Rheology control: Establishing high-precision coating and drying processes
Future Outlook
Advancing How Batteries Are Made
We contribute to a sustainable society not only by advancing what is inside batteries, but also by innovating how they are made. We will continue to advance water-based cathode processes and lead mass-production technologies for next-generation lithium-ion batteries.
Contact Us About Water-Based Cathode Manufacturing Technology