Nine Promising New Materials in the Lithium Battery Industry

With the rapid development of new-energy vehicles and energy-storage power stations, the market demands higher energy density, power density, and service life from next-generation high-performance lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-rich manganese-based cathode materials—characterized by high discharge specific capacity (>250 mAh·g⁻¹), low cost, and environmental friendliness—are among the most promising next-generation cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries. Market Size Forecast According to Zion Market Research, the global cathode material market was valued at USD 16.22 billion in 2018 and is projected to reach USD 26.24 billion by 2026, representing a CAGR of 6.2% from 2018 to 2026. As lithium-rich manganese-based cathode material technologies mature and their commercial applications expand, their market size is expected to grow rapidly. Key Research Institutions/Companies Domestic: Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Peking University; Aoyou Power; Jiangte Motor; Guoxuan High-Tech; Tangshan Shanshan (Whenwin)… Overseas: Argonne National Laboratory (USA); Hanyang University (South Korea); University of Texas (USA); Envia Systems (USA)… 2. Ternary Cathode Materials Ternary cathode materials are modified derivatives of LiNiO₂ and fall into two main categories: NCM (nickel-cobalt-manganese oxide, commonly known as lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide) and NCA (nickel-cobalt-aluminum oxide, commonly known as lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide). The addition of the third component effectively addresses structural stability issues inherent in layered LiCoO₂ or LiNiO₂ cathodes and provides structural support. Under China’s updated subsidy policies, power batteries are trending toward higher energy density. Ternary cathode materials can significantly increase battery energy density without substantially raising overall costs, thereby reducing battery pack weight and volume. Consequently, ternary materials represent one of the mainstream developmental directions for power battery cathodes. Market Size Forecast Statistics show that in the first half of 2019, precursor production for ternary materials reached 145,000 tons—a 42% year-on-year increase—while ternary material output reached 106,000 tons, up 51.4% year-on-year. Global ternary material output in 2019 is projected at 260,000–270,000 tons, with domestic output expected to reach 190,000–200,000 tons. Key Research Institutions/Companies Domestic: Ronbay Technology; Changyuan Lithium; Hunan Shanshan; Whenwin; Xiamen Tungsten; GEM; Tianli Lithium Energy; Zhenhua New Materials; BTR; Keheng Co., Ltd.… Overseas: Sumitomo Metal Mining; ECOPRO (South Korea); BASF-Hitachi Chemical; GS Yuasa; Nichia Chemical; Umicore… 3. Silicon-Carbon Anode Materials Silicon-carbon anode materials refer to composites formed by doping silicon with carbon materials of various structures, significantly enhancing anode capacity and electrochemical performance. The theoretical lithium-storage capacity of silicon-carbon anode materials can reach up to 4,200 mAh/g—more than ten times higher than the 372 mAh/g typical of graphite-based anodes widely used today. Once industrialized, these materials will greatly boost battery capacity, meeting the ever-growing end-user demand for higher-capacity batteries. Market Size Forecast It is forecast that by 2020, the penetration rate of silicon-carbon anode materials will reach 15%, with demand exceeding 40,000 tons and a market value of approximately RMB 5 billion. Market concentration is also expected to be very high. Key Research Institutions/Companies Domestic: BTR; Shanghai Shanshan; Xingcheng Graphite; Shenzhen Sinuo; Guoxuan High-Tech; BYD; CATL; Putailai; Tianjin Lishen; BAK Battery; Wanxiang A123; Weihong Power; Jiangxi Zichen; Zhongke Electric; Jiangxi Zhengtuo; Chuangya Power; Dalian Lichang; Keda Jieneng…

Surpassing China! A Longtime Rival Invests RMB 250 Billion to Build Out Its Battery Industry Chain!

According to reports by South Korean media, the South Korean government plans to form an alliance with leading domestic battery manufacturers—including LG Energy Solution, SK ON, and Samsung SDI—to jointly develop the battery industry chain, investing KRW 50 trillion (approximately RMB 255.55 billion) in the effort. The report states that this initiative aims to surpass China and establish South Korea as the world’s strongest battery nation. Under the plan, South Korean battery manufacturers’ production capacity will increase from 39 GWh last year to 60 GWh by 2025, and their global market share is targeted to reach 40% by 2030. South Korea has long been deeply engaged in lithium battery research and development. Its leading enterprises were established relatively early, maintain complete overseas supply chains, and enjoy stable partnerships with major automakers—endowing them with strong global competitiveness. Data disclosed in the U.S. Department of Energy’s ‘National Blueprint for Lithium Batteries 2021–2030’ shows that in 2020, South Korea ranked third globally in lithium battery production capacity—second only to China within Asia. LG Energy Solution is South Korea’s top battery manufacturer by global market share; in 2021, its market share ranked just behind CATL. From LG Energy Solution’s financial data, its profit margin faced pressure in Q2 this year, and its total installed battery capacity for the quarter stood at 14.1 GWh—a 17.5% decline year-on-year and below the industry’s growth rate.

EcoPro to Invest $40M in Pursuit's Argentina Lithium Project

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EcoPro Innovation signed an MOU to invest $40 million in Pursuit Minerals' Rio Grande Sur lithium project in Argentina. The deal includes a 20% equity stake and a long-term off-take agreement for 5,000 metric tons of lithium carbonate equivalent annually.

chemweek

2026-11-13

EcoPro to Invest $40M in Pursuit's Argentina Lithium Project

EcoPro to Invest $40M in Pursuit's Argentina Lithium Project

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