3M has entered into an agreement transferring its Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt (NMC) cathode intellectual property and related intellectual property licenses to Umicore, a global materials technology and recycling group. The sale includes U.S. Patents 6,660,432, 6,964,828, and 7,078,128, their corresponding global equivalents, and all related license agreements.
“We are very pleased to deepen our successful technology collaboration with Umicore,” said Christian Milker, global battery materials business manager, 3M Electronics Materials Solutions Division. “The agreement enables 3M to focus on its unique strengths in silicon anodes, while Umicore continues to develop and commercialize high energy NMC cathodes. In combination, these technologies may substantially increase electric vehicle battery life.”
3M will continue to pioneer the development of innovative battery technologies with an increased focus on next-generation silicon anode materials, electrolyte additives and advanced thermal management solutions for electric vehicles, he added.
“Umicore has been a valuable partner in the commercial growth of NMC cathode technology, which 3M developed in partnership with Professor Jeff Dahn of Dalhousie University,” Milker said.
