Johnson Matthey (JM) and Nano One have joined forces to develop lithium-ion battery materials that have a lower carbon footprint and circumvent the need for cobalt.

Electric vehicle (EV) battery production currently requires the conversion of metals to metal sulphates, which is an energy-intensive process.

Nano One claims its process allows for the use of direct metals instead, significantly cutting down the manufacturing process.

The agreement between the two companies will have a focus on the development of materials and a study for piloting the product before a scale-up for manufacturing. They have committed to addressing cost, energy and sustainability objectives throughout the supply chain of the batteries.

Dan Blondal, CEO at Nano One, said: “Johnson Matthey is a global leader in advanced lithium-ion cathode materials and we are proud to be working with them in the pursuit of high performance, long life cycles, low-carbon footprint and environmentally sustainable solutions.”