BASF Catalysts offers exceptional expertise in the development of technologies that protect the air we breathe, produce the fuels that power our world and ensure efficient production of a wide variety of chemicals, plastics and other products including advanced battery materials. BASF’s Catalysts division is the world’s leading supplier of environmental and process catalysts. The group offers exceptional expertise in the development of technologies that protect the air we breathe, produce the fuels that power our world and ensure efficient production of a wide variety of chemicals, plastics and other products, including advanced battery materials. We believe mobility’s future lies in more than just products. So where others come to a full stop, we’re just getting started—by leveraging the full power of BASF to continually advance our comprehensive package of sustainable solutions that enable us to travel further, as well as above and beyond. A leading supplier of high performance cathode active materials (CAM) for electrified vehicles to battery producers and automotive OEMs around the world. Protecting the air we breathe from harmful emissions through innovation. BASF leverages unsurpassed expertise in the development of emission control technologies for a wide range of market applications. BASF is committed to advancing and promoting environmentally-sound technologies to achieve a sustainable future in aviation. Offering 50 years of experience developing intelligent solutions for air quality over a wide range of applications — enabling clean air for a healthier, more sustainable future. As the global leader in chemical catalysts, BASF develops cutting-edge catalyst chemistry with our customers’ needs in mind. We want to contribute to a world that provides a viable future with enhanced quality of life for everyone. We do so by creating chemistry for our customers and society and by making the best use of available resources. BASF offers the widest portfolio of adsorbent technologies for a broad spectrum of applications in industries such as refining, petrochemical, chemical, and gas processing. Syngas, produced from natural gas or coal, is a key intermediate in the emerging technologies for gas-to-liquids (GTL), methanol-to-olefins, coal-to-liquids and fuel cells. At BASF, our Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) catalyst and additive offerings together with our expert technical services build the right solution to create value within any unit’s constraints. Paving the way toward a brighter, more secure future. Manufacturing products for sustainable solutions, reducing emissions from our processes, and using non-fossil fueled energy sources – all of these efforts help lead BASF on a continuing journey of sustainability. BASF Natural Gas experts have a diverse portfolio of products to custom design a solution and help you meet your Natural Gas treatment needs. BASF has been serving the natural gas treatment market for over 60 years. Innovative, step-change technology with dual-purpose performance: removal of heavy hydrocarbons and water to cryogenic specifications in a single unit. With more than 150 years of experience in metal sourcing, trading, and hedging, we’ve built tangible results for our industrial customers. With more than 100 years of experience in recycling materials, BASF’s end-to-end recycling program is known and trusted around the globe. As a leader in precious-metal thermocouples for many years, BASF recently applied its technological expertise to optical-based temperature measurement. Developing and producing pharmaceutical ingredients for more than 75 years, enabling us to provide the solutions you need to meet today's and tomorrow's challenges for your pharmaceutical business. Find the latest news and media information for BASF’s Catalysts division, headquartered in Iselin, New Jersey, USA, the world’s leading supplier of environmental and process catalysts. Explore this collection of resources to learn more about our innovative research and Catalyst solutions.
BASF Catalysts | Facility Syngas

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Offering end-to-end solutions to drive circular economy

We contribute to "close the loop" with lithium-ion battery recycling to the automotive industry globally by developing and implementing circular solutions for the materials we source. Learn more about our process and how we contribute throughout the battery value chain below.

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The Lifecycle of Battery Materials

Electromobility is rapidly expanding on a global scale, signaling a more sustainable future for the automotive industry.

Lithium-ion batteries are the key enabler for this disruptive change. As a global leading supplier of materials for lithium-ion batteries, BASF Catalysts aims to contribute to the sustainable battery materials value chain and make electromobility a practical reality for everyone.

As a leading chemical supplier for the automotive industry, BASF is well-positioned to become a sustainable cathode active materials (CAM) producer globally by taking responsibility throughout the battery value chain. We strive to reduce the CO2 burden of electric vehicles and become a reliable partner in support of our customers’ growth.

We invite you to explore the lifecycle of cathode active materials for
lithium-ion batteries by clicking through the wheel.

Mining & Refining the Metal Ore

Lithium-ion batteries begin their life underground, where metal ores such as lithium, nickel and cobalt are extracted from the earth.

The raw materials are leached into a solution, which is then purified through precipitation, solvent extraction or ion exchange. The purified solution is evaporated and crystallized into metal sulfate crystals.

With the aim of increasing sources of locally available content, BASF secures high-purity metal through established partnerships.

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PCAM Production

Made through precipitation, precursor cathode active materials (PCAM) is a mixed-metal hydroxide of nickel, cobalt and other chemical elements.

BASF ensures a sustainable and reliable supply chain for metals used in precursors, starting with the mining of metal ores.

BASF’s new precursor plant in Europe will use 100% electrical energy resources, including hydro, wind and biomass-based power. Located near a metal refinery, the plant will receive a secure and consistent supply of nickel and cobalt with a reduced carbon footprint.

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CAM Production

CAM plays a pivotal role in lithium-ion batteries and drive battery performance, safety and cost.

BASF’s portfolio of application-specific cathode active materials supports lithium-ion battery technology for electric vehicles with high-energy density, reliability and efficiency.

Focusing on customer proximity, enhancing its product portfolio competitiveness, and securing sustainable raw materials supply, BASF has continued to develop its global footprint and will be the first global supplier with manufacturing capacities in all key regions by 2022.

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Cell Manufacturing

Cathode active materials are delivered to a cell producer and processed in a battery cell manufacturing line. Completed cells are later combined into modules and shipped to electric vehicle manufacturers (OEMs).

BASF’s innovative materials and technologies will enhance battery performance for electric vehicles.

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Manufacturing fully electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles

With their production now complete, batteries are installed in electric cars and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

In combination with renewable energy used for battery charging, electromobility can significantly improve air quality, especially in urban areas.

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Second Life Applications

When cars are scrapped after several years of use, the batteries are removed. They can be repurposed and given a “2nd life” as stationary energy storage systems for applications such as solar energy.

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Collection & Recycling

Once the battery doesn’t have sufficient storage capacity for their given application, batteries move into recycling, as they contain valuable metals that can be reused. Battery packs are collected, dismantled and shredded.

The shredded material is sieved and dried several times to create a “black mass” that consists of high amounts of lithium, manganese, cobalt and nickel.

The black mass is refined into metal sulfates, which can be used in PCAM. This process closes the loop, meeting growing demand of critical metals in a highly sustainable manner with an exceptional CO2 footprint.

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