February 2, 2023: US graphite processor Urbix goals to provide anode supplies for SK On’s EV batteries underneath an settlement introduced on January 18.
South Korea-based SK On stated the transfer would assist it acquire a foothold within the US anode materials provide chain and make the most of incentives underneath the Inflation Discount Act – with SK On probably buying Urbix supplies for at its US battery manufacturing vegetation.
The joint improvement settlement may additionally increase SK On’s provide chain choices, the place China accounts for 85% of the worldwide manufacturing capability for anodes based on information revealed by the Worldwide Vitality Company on final 12 months, the battery producer.
Underneath the settlement, the 2 firms will work collectively to develop environmentally accountable, high-performance anode supplies tailor-made for SK On batteries.
Arizona-based Urbix has accomplished building and commissioning of its business scale demonstration plant with a 1,000-tonne/yr capability and it plans to increase its manufacturing capability to twenty-eight,500 tonnes/yr by 2025.
Urbix claims to course of graphite utilizing revolutionary environmentally accountable strategies and recycle 70% of chemical compounds with out utilizing hydrofluoric acid and hydrogen chloride within the refining course of.
SK On continues to strengthen its provide chain for key battery supplies. To create a steady provide of lithium, the corporate signed offers with Chile’s SQM and Australia’s Lake Assets and World Lithium Assets final 12 months.
SK On was launched as an impartial firm in October 2021 after SK Innovation determined to separate its battery enterprise unit.
Photograph: Urbix workers monitor graphite processing programs on the firm’s pilot facility in Arizona
