The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) has been a hot topic in recent years, with sales of EVs increasing by over 40% in 2020 alone. There are several reasons for this, including environmental concerns, technological advancements, and changing consumer preferences. On top of that, governments around the world are incentivizing the adoption of EVs with subsidies and tax credits available to consumers who purchase them and businesses that manufacture them. Despite this up-and-coming turn towards EVs, a crucial determining factor on exactly how soon they will become the norm is the availability of materials and manufacturers ready and equipped to create EV batteries.
Starting with the (Elemental) Basics
The creation of electric vehicle batteries is a complex process that involves innovative technology and engineering expertise, with one of the most complicated aspects of this process being the raw materials that make up the battery.
Regarding battery basics, nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) batteries are a popular form of lithium-ion battery, commonly used in electric vehicles due to their high energy density, long cycle life, and lightweight properties. Lithium-ion batteries consist of a cathode, anode, electrolyte, and a separator. The cathode stores the lithium ions until the battery is charged. The anode stores the lithium ions until the battery has discharged. The electrolyte contains lithium ions, while the separator permits lithium ions to flow through the battery without allowing the movement of electrons. The movement of the lithium ions creates free electrons in the anode which creates a charge at the positive current collector. The electrical current then flows from the current collector through the device being powered to the negative current collector.
Now that we know a bit more about NMC batteries, let’s dive deeper. As mentioned above, NMC batteries utilize cathodes as a pivotal part of making the battery work – these cathodes are made of a combination of nickel, manganese, and cobalt chemistries. These metal nitrates are a common chemistry for EV battery cathode materials. Not only can metal nitrates be complex to source, but finding the right manufacturer with the capacity and expertise to supply these materials can prove to be just as difficult; however, Blue Grass Chemical has been producing these types of nitrates for over 55 years.
Although there have been increasing investments made in new production facilities and refineries, Blue Grass Chemical Specialties is already ideally situated in what is beginning to be termed America’s “Battery Belt.” We are closer to current and future EV manufacturing plants, thus ready to reduce transportation costs and supply chain risks.
Our Difference in an Emerging Field
With over 55 years of experience in the metal nitrate business servicing industries such as oil and gas, catalysis, agriculture, metal finishing, and electronics, Blue Grass Chemical Specialties has learned to be adaptable through a changing world. Our well-equipped laboratory, industry-leading professionals, world-class customer service, and ideal domestic location make your search easy for EV battery materials manufacturers. With room to continue to expand, we are looking forward to being a part of this growing field.
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