India to enter cathode active material (CAM) production

Subject: Economy

Section: External Sector

In News: India aims for self-reliance in cathode materials by partnering with Altmin

Key Points:

India aims for self-reliance in cathode materials by partnering with Altmin to produce Lithium Ferrous Phosphate, a crucial component of Cathode Active Materials used in advanced Lithium-ion cells for EVs.
ARCI (International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials), which works under the Union Ministry of Science and Technology, in collaboration with Altmin has come out with the maiden product – Lithium Ferrous Phosphate (LFP), the key component of CAMs.
This product is used in the manufacturing of advanced Lithium-ion cells that would help the electric vehicles industry and other industrial applications.
What is Altmin?
- It is a non-government private limited company.The company was formed to support the Government of India’s Advanced Chemistry Cell – PLI scheme, targetted to localise the manufacturing of Li-ion cells and batteries in India and will continue to operate in a public-private partnership with ARCI.
- The company has partnered up with YLB of Bolivia for a consistent and secure supply of battery grade lithium carbonate necessary for the production.

Cathode active materials

Cathode active materials are crucial components in rechargeable batteries, playing a central role in energy storage and release during the battery’s charging and discharging cycles.
These materials are typically used in lithium-ion batteries and other advanced battery technologies. Cathode active materials are responsible for the movement of ions between the cathode (positive electrode) and anode (negative electrode) during battery operation.
These materials are chosen for their ability to efficiently store and release electrical energy. Common cathode active materials include lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO₂), lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄), lithium manganese oxide (LiMn₂O₄), and nickel cobalt manganese oxide (NCM or NMC). The selection of cathode active material influences a battery’s capacity, voltage, energy density, cycle life, and overall performance characteristics.