Chemistry: Cathode

Nickel Manganese Cobalt NMC Basic Information

NMC

Strength

Weakness

Opportunity

Threat

Properties and performance:

High energy density

Low temperature performance

High voltage

Strong battery supply chain

High recycle value

Safety

High thermal release

Dangerous side reactions during cycling

Off-gassing, cell swelling

Ni, Co hazardous to human and environmental health

High cost of metals and processing

Broad range of use cases

Long range/high-end EVs

Buses, boats, heavy-duty equipment, power tools

Broad market for recycling supply chain

Scalable process

Continuing advances in safety and performance

Advances in lower cost and safer alternatives

LFP, LNMO, sodium-ion

Nickel and cobalt supply chain

Ni and Co make NMC expensive despite metal prices at all-time lows

Ni Mining practices can be environmentally damaging

Source: F I Saaid et al. Heliyon Cell Press. 2024

Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide NMC One of the most common cathode chemistries in modern EVs, especially outside of China. Significant research progress: Improvements to NMC safety and performance continue to be researched, including variations such as high-voltage medium-nickel chemistries as well as new dopant and coating formulations. Current industry leaders: Mostly located in China, South Korea, Japan, and Europe, but North American capacity is in the pipeline.

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