Johnson Matthey to build novel cathode materials plant in Europe

摘要

Johnson Matthey (JM; London) on Thursday confrmed plans to invest in its battery materials business, as part of a strategy to broaden its tech- nological base and reduce its dependence on automotive catalysts. JM says it expects to start production in 2021-22 of enhanced lithium nickel oxide (eLNO), a new high-energy cathode material it has developed with improved performance. The company said last September it was prepar- ing for the shift to electric vehicles by investing ￡200 million ($266.1 million) in developing next-generation technology. At that time, JM said it was considering China as the likely loca- tion for the plant but today said the new plant will be in Europe, in line with the development of its supply chain. A final investment decision is yet to be made, however.