German BASF and US energy storage start-up EnerG2 have partnered for the scale-up of carbon materials for supercapacitors and lead-acid batteries.
EnerG2 has developed a carbon technology platform that enables large-scale production of carbon materials. Seattle-based EnerG2’s patented carbon material is designed for supercapacitor electrodes and as a performance additive in start-stop lead-acid batteries in automotive and industrial applications.
The two companies will jointly further develop the materials, expand capacity and extend global presence with a focus on Asia and Europe.
The chemicals giant will also provide funding and management know-how to the partnership. “We will use the funding not only to bolster our operational capacity but also to explore market opportunities with BASF,” said Rick Luebbe, CEO of EnerG2.
According to EnerG2, its carbon material enhances storage performance by providing higher voltage and energy in supercapacitors and increasing the charging rate of lead-acid batteries at a partial-state-of-charge.
“BASF recognises the crucial role that carbon materials play in many energy storage devices,” said Stefan Blank, managing director at BASF New Business. “We know that by partnering with EnerG2 we can and will have a long-term and meaningful role in this emerging and fast-growing global market.”
BASF partnered with cathode material developer Toda Kogyo last week and established a cathode active materials joint venture in Japan. The new venture, called BASF Toda battery materials, is set to be operational by the end of February 2015.
