From September 8 to 10, the 65th General Assembly of the International Tantalum and Niobium Association (TIC) took place at the Hilton Hotel in Odaiba, Tokyo. On the second day, September 10, presentations were delivered by CBMM on niobium batteries, as well as by Boston Metal of Brazil, ADDMAN Group, and others. Lively discussions also ensued between representatives of the Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI) and the International Tin Supply Chain Initiative (ITSCI). This section will focus on CBMM’s advancements in niobium battery technology, which is set to be highlighted at next year’s Battery Summit organized by IRUNIVERSE.

(Marc from CBMM explained the advantages of niobium in batteries—niobium can be used as a material for both cathodes and anodes)

 

Marc Meads serves as the Business Development Manager for battery products at CBMM and is responsible for regional commercial activities and market development for CBMM’s niobium products in energy storage applications. With over 15 years of experience in the specialty chemicals industry across the UK, USA, and Singapore, Marc holds a Global Executive MBA from INSEAD Business School and a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Reading, UK.

 

Mr. Mark has 15 years of experience in the specialty chemicals industry, including applications for batteries.

He emphasized that niobium will ultimately contribute to lowering battery costs. Additionally, he stated that niobium batteries have an energy density equivalent to that of LFP (lithium iron phosphate) batteries.

 

Niobium titanium oxide (NTO) can theoretically double the energy density compared to commonly used anode materials like graphite. It is said to enable ultra-fast charging in about 10 minutes and offers a lifespan of over 10 years, making it particularly suitable for commercial vehicles that require frequent charging.

 

Niobium is also used in lithium manganese oxide (LMO) batteries, where it is coated on the cathode to prevent oxidation. Niobium-treated LMO batteries have a longer lifespan and are more resistant to both high and low temperatures.

 

 

China’s CATL and BYD are utilizing niobium in their LMFP (lithium manganese iron phosphate) batteries. Niobium is employed to maintain capacity, thereby enhancing the performance of LFP batteries.

 

Niobium in high-nickel lithium-ion batteries (NCA)

In high-nickel lithium-ion batteries (NCA), niobium plays a key role. When nickel content exceeds 80%, particle cracking can occur, allowing electrolytes to infiltrate. Niobium is effective in protecting against this issue. In fact, Panasonic’s NCA cathodes are coated with niobium, which helps prevent cracking. The niobium coating protects the particles and enhances their durability.

 

 

NTO (niobium titanium oxide) batteries utilize niobium titanium oxide for the anode. The capacity of NTO is three times that of graphite. Furthermore, both silicon and graphite expand during use, making rapid charging dangerous for graphite due to the risk of explosion. This is why niobium is advantageous, according to Mr. Mark.

Currently, test runs are underway in Brazil using electric buses equipped with lithium-ion batteries that feature niobium titanium oxide (NTO) in the anode.

 

 

It was reported that electric ferries are currently in operation in Singapore.

Next, a comparison between the currently dominant NCM batteries and niobium batteries was presented. While NCM batteries generally require overnight charging in households, the charging time for niobium batteries is dramatically shorter, to the point that a comparison is almost irrelevant. Toshiba’s SCIB, which uses NTO as the anode, can reach 80% capacity with just three minutes of rapid charging.

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Additionally, niobium batteries offer double the durability compared to NCM batteries, contribute to reducing carbon footprints, and can be 40% smaller in size compared to NCA batteries.

 

Dan from TIC posed a question:

“I’m aware that graphite poses significant issues as an anode material. Can niobium resolve the supply challenges related to graphite?”

Mark responded:

“Absolutely, yes. Moreover, graphite is subject to tariffs in Europe and the U.S. In this regard, niobium can ensure a stable supply both in terms of quantity and political considerations. Its price is also stable.”

 

 

 

 

(IRUNIVERSE YUJI TANAMACHI)

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