Catholytes reportedly combine cathode active materials and solid electrolytes.
The companies plan to use Umicore’s cathode active materials (CAM) for lithium-ion batteries and Idemitsu Kosan’s solid electrolytes, which are a key material for all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries (ASSB). Idemitsu Kosan has an established method for manufacturing high-purity lithium sulfide and holds patents for sulfide solid electrolytes that use lithium sulfide as their raw material, Umicore said.
“Based on more than 20 years of experience, Idemitsu has developed the technology of sulfide solid electrolytes and holds many patents related to sulfide solid electrolytes,” said Hajime Nakamoto, managing executive officer of Idemitsu. “Solid electrolytes will contribute as a key material for the “electrified society”, through ASSB. The joint development between Umicore and Idemitsu will play an important role in the acceleration of activities in this field.”
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