“ With the cost of cobalt nearly trebling since 2003, lithium-ion battery manufacturers are now moving to alternative low cobalt materials. Pacific Lithium's patented lithium-ion cathode materials are not only less expensive than lithium-cobalt-oxide, but also have markedly improved safety.”

Pacific Lithium’s Cathode Materials are based on a patented low-cobalt Manganese-Nickel-Cobalt (MNC) formulation developed to provide maximum safety, stability and performance in lithium-ion batteries. The unique properties of Pacific Lithium’s MNC Cathode Materials, combining a layer crystal structure with specially stabilised manganese chemistry (a chemical innovation developed by Pacific Lithium), mean that these materials can be used to manufacture safe and robust lithium-ion cells – ranging from small formats for portable electronic equipment through to larger formats for stationary and automotive applications. The distinguishing feature of Pacific Lithium’s MNC Cathode Materials is that they enable large lithium-ion batteries to be made without compromising high energy density or stability. Battery manufacturers using these materials are therefore able to enter large battery markets with a safe, cost-effective, and high performance battery solution.

Patented formulation combines low cobalt content with high energy storage density.
Pacific Lithium’s proprietary formulation and manufacturing process result in low cobalt content in its MNC Cathode Materials. This low cobalt content gives exceptional safety properties, and allows the products to be manufactured at relatively low cost. The manganese and nickel in the MNC Cathode Materials combine to give an energy storage density superior to manganese spinel-type cathode products. Pacific Lithium’s MNC Cathode Materials have the same layer crystal structure as industry-standard cobalt and nickel-based cathode products, and therefore provide high charge capacity, without the cost or charged state instability associated with other products.

Exceptional safety properties for large batteries.
Pacific Lithium’s MNC Cathode Materials are based on a specially stabilized manganese chemistry developed and patented by Pacific Lithium. This unique manganese chemistry stabilizes the charged cathode, so that if the battery heats up due to accidental or intentional abuse, dangerous and potentially explosive reactions are inhibited. The higher stability of charged cathodes produced with Pacific Lithium’s MNC Cathode Materials therefore allows lithium-ion batteries to be built with safety and security not achievable with conventional cathode materials.

Charge stability allows higher charge capacity to be reached.
Batteries using conventional cobalt and nickel-based cathode products require stringent charge control to limit the amount of charge capacity drawn from the cathode. Without these limitations, cobalt and nickel-based cathodes become increasingly unstable, lowering the safety and long-term performance of the battery. Pacific Lithium’s MNC Cathode Materials can be charged up to 200 mV higher than cobalt or nickel-based materials without compromising safety, stability, or long-term performance. The higher charging voltages allow higher charge capacity to be attained, further enhancing the energy density of the battery system.

Long cycle life & storage life – even at elevated temperatures.
Manganese-based cathode materials are well-known to suffer from loss of charge capacity in lithium-ion batteries, particularly when batteries are stored or cycled at elevated temperatures (40–60 °C). The unique stabilized manganese chemistry of Pacific Lithium’s MNC Cathode Materials means that lithium-ion batteries can be cycled or stored with excellent stability even at elevated temperatures, without the loss of performance normally associated with manganese.

A cost-competitive product.
The high manganese and low cobalt content of Pacific Lithium’s MNC Cathode Materials provide long-term cost advantages to manufacturers.

Proven performance in advanced lithium-ion systems.
Pacific Lithium's MNC Cathode Materials have been used in commercial lithium-ion applications since 2002. With Pacific Lithium's materials, battery manufacturers have been able to develop and commercialize advanced lithium-ion systems with superior safety and cycle performance.

Manufactured and sold for commercial applications since 2002.
Pacific Lithium's first commercial-scale production line for its MNC Cathode Materials was commissioned in 2002. Products using Pacific Lithium’s patented and proven formulations are now sold worldwide by Pacific Lithium’s exclusive licensee.