Lithium Australia NL (ASX:LIT, OTC:LMMFF) 100%-owned subsidiary VSPC Ltd has achieved an Australian first by producing commercial-quality lithium titanium oxide (LTO), an anode material required for high-performance lithium-ion battery (LIB) cells.
In addition to producing advanced lithium ferro phosphate (LFP) and lithium manganese ferro phosphate ('LMFP') cathode powders, VSPC’s pilot plant has now manufactured high-quality LTO.
Exceeds industry benchmarks
The performance of VSPC’s LTO exceeds industry benchmarks, achieving superior specific capacity when compared with other commercially available materials, including Tech9 LTO that is used by battery research collaborators) and Hombitec LTO, acquired by VSPC prior to 2013.
When VSPC's LTO was benchmarked against five commercial LTO products, it achieved a specific capacity of 169 milliampere hours per gram (mAh/g) at 0.1C, a standard relating to the rate of charge and discharge.
“An Australian first”
Lithium Australia managing director Adrian Griffin said: "To achieve the performance desired for next-generation LIBs, improved anodes are also required. VSPC's patented technologies are applicable to the production of both anode and cathode materials.
"Currently, VSPC produces the world's highest-performing LFP cathode powder and is among only a handful of companies capable of producing high-energy-density LMFP.
"Market demand for advanced nickel- and cobalt-free batteries puts VSPC in a unique position to deliver precursors that meet more exacting performance requirements.
"VSPC's successful production of high-performance LTO is an Australian first, as well as a global necessity.”
Shares higher
LIT shares have been as much as 8.7% higher in the first hour of trade to A$0.125 while the company’s market cap pre-open was approximately $114.9 million.
VSPC’s LTO powder at two different magnifications.
The VSPC proprietary nanotechnology is the subject of international patents.
Conventionally, LTO is prepared via a solid-state reaction, with titanium dioxide (rutile or anatase) and lithium carbonate or lithium hydroxide as the raw materials.
The materials are calcined at temperatures above 800° Celsius (NASDAQ:CELH) for a prolonged period (from 12 to 24 hours) to ensure high-phase purity.
Ideal for producing LTO
Because VSPC’s patented, slurry-based process reduces calcination time and ensures consistent phase- and end-product quality, it is ideal for producing LTO.
LTO specific capacity comparison at 0.1C rate.
Rate performance – VSPC LTO and commercially available LTO.
As well as creating new market opportunities, VSPC’s success with LTO has prompted it to expand its research into other anode battery materials, including titanium niobium oxide and other niobium-based anode materials often used in space and defence applications.
VSPC is now developing an anode materials work program in concert with other organisations that are leading research in this area.
About VSPC
The LIT subsidiary operates a pilot plant in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia that is focused on developing and commercialising high-quality, advanced battery materials.
Having successfully demonstrated pilot-scale production of LFP and LMFP cathode materials, VSPC has further validated its proprietary nanotechnology by producing commercial-quality anode battery materials for use in high-performance LIBs.
VSPC's research into, and development of, its suite of products is ongoing as it advances towards production on a commercial scale.
A pre-feasibility study was completed in early 2021, with work on a growth strategy and definitive feasibility study is underway.
In September 2021, VSPC detailed its plans for an Australian operation in a Modern Manufacturing Initiative Collaboration grant application.
Meanwhile, planning for VSPC’s first international plant continues.