The study project on tungsten-based cathodic coatings for lithium-ion batteries is being conducted in collaboration with ZSW.

According to the latest press release, H.C. Starck Tungsten Powders and the Center for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Württemberg (ZSW) have been jointly investigating the use of tungsten-based cathode coatings in lithium-ion batteries. After various tungsten precursors were first systematically examined for their suitability, the first coating tests have now started. This will be followed by electrochemical investigations.

"We know from the current scientific literature that tungsten-based coatings significantly increase the cycle stability of a lithium-ion battery even with very small weight fractions," says Julia Meese-Marktscheffel, Head of Technology & Innovation Global at the company. "There is also strong evidence that tungsten-coated cathode materials can reduce gas development within the battery and thus increase its safety. In a first step, in cooperation with the ZSW, we want to understand these modes of action comprehensively. If the results are positive, in a second phase we plan to develop tailor-made tungsten chemicals for improved performance and safety in batteries”.

Tungsten products of  Masan High-Tech Materials

The encouraging research findings of H.C. Starck come at a time when electric vehicle technology is exploding, necessitating a ‘speed up’ in battery technology to keep up with that growth rate. Many manufacturers are currently in heated competition to develop the most advanced battery technology for the future, indicating bright prospects for this field.

Deputy CEO of Masan High-Tech Materials, CEO of H.C. Starck Hady Seyeda adds: “We see this collaboration as an important step in the evolution of elements such as tungsten in battery development and use. With the global EV push, making batteries safer and improving their performance is a critical element of wider adoption and application”.

Tungsten enables to increase battery life cycle by 5 - 10 times greater

On April 25th, 2022, at the annual general meeting of shareholders with the theme “Growth through Sustainability”, taken place in Hanoi, Mr. Craig Bradshaw, General Director of Masan High-Tech Materials, revealed that the Company was working with a number of different global organizations to explore tungsten use in batteries.

Sharing about the benefits of tungsten use in batteries, Mr. Craig Bradshaw said that this material would improve the safety of battery products. “For example, when you drive electric vehicles, safe battery in electric vehicles will also make you safer; Sometimes we heard news about a certain brand of smartphones or laptops were recalled for their battery explosion. Therefore, the use of batteries in electric vehicles is highly required for users’ safety”, said Craig Bradshaw.

Modern factory of  Masan High-Tech Materials in Vietnam

According to Mr. Craig Bradshaw, tungsten application in battery manufacturing technology would increase the products’ life cycle by 5-10 times greater than the existing technology, so the cost would be more affordable. In particular, batteries with tungsten are charged at a faster rate, saving and shortening a lot of time for users.

“The global electric vehicle market is forecast to grow by over 22% year-on-year in the coming time. Because the global battery market is just getting started, so it has a promising future ahead”, concluded Craig Bradshaw.