BASF advances in batteries with two buys

Electroyltes and NiMH expertise added to widening range
 

BASF has in short order acquired Merck KGaA’s electrolytes business and Ovonic Battery Company from Energy Conversion Devices. Both will become part of the company’s newly launched Battery Materials global business unit which seeks to integrate its battery materials-related activities. Terms were not disclosed in either case.

The former acquisition comprises the technologies and products for enhancing battery performance developed, patented and brought to market by Merck. These include the Selectilyte line of finished electrolyte formulations, various additives for electrolytes used to produce lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and Merck’s research portfolio for novel electrolytes and additives.

Electrolytes are described as complex formulations that ensure the transport of electric charge inside the battery. High quality electrolytes are essential prerequisites for raising battery performance, especially in automotive batteries.

Ovionic, meanwhile, is based in Rochester Hills, Michigan, and claims to be the global leader in nickel-metalhydride (NiMH) battery technology, including the production of cathode active materials (CAMs) for this battery type, which are used in consumer, vehicle and smart grid energy storage. It has 97 US and international patents and patent applications in the field and all major producers of NiMH batteries are currently working under license from it.

“Ovonic provides BASF with an immediate leadership position in NiMH battery technology, as well as long-established commercial relationships with the world’s major battery manufacturers,” said Ralf Meixner, senior VP of Battery Materials. The company’s research expertise, he added, would complement BASF’s broad range of ongoing battery materials development activities.

BASF formed its global electrolytes team to develop and sell high-quality electrolyte formulations for battery manufacturers in May 2011, when it also announced that it would invest over €100 million in R&D and product advanced battery materials over the next five years. Initially part of the Intermediates division, Battery Materials is now being integrated into the US-based Catalysts division during 2012.

As well as electrolytes, LIBs and lithium-ion cathode materials, BASF is also researching future battery concepts such as lithium-sulfur or lithium-air. In January, its investment arm BASF Future Business took a $50 million equity ownership stake in Sion Power, a US-based pioneer of lithium-sulfur technologies.