Duisburg, Germany – PCC Thorion GmbH, a technology company focused on silicon-based anode active materials for lithium-ion batteries, and UniverCell Holding GmbH, a specialized manufacturer of lithium-ion cells and electrodes, have signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) regarding the supply of the silicon-carbon composite Sithorit AX.
With this agreement, both companies commit to further qualification and evaluation of Sithorit AX as an anode active material in UniverCell’s battery cell applications. The objective of the LoI is to assess the feasibility of a future commercial supply and to prepare the basis for a potential long-term cooperation.
Sithorit AX, developed by PCC Thorion, is a silicon-carbon composite designed as a drop-in replacement for graphite in existing lithium-ion cell production processes. The material enables a significant increase in energy density while remaining compatible with today’s established manufacturing technologies.
As part of the agreement, UniverCell is conducting an extended material qualification of Sithorit AX in its own 21700 lithium-ion cells. Initial material samples have already been successfully validated. The cooperation addresses applications in several demanding market segments, including e-mobility, e-aviation, space, power tools, UAVs and further specialized industries with high performance requirements.
The signed LoI represents an important milestone in PCC Thorion’s strategy to build up an industrial supply chain for silicon-based anode active materials and underlines the company’s ambition to provide high-performance, scalable battery materials from Europe for the European market. “Cost-efficient, high-quality and high-performance materials made in Europe are extremely important to build greater resilience and to remain competitive,” says Dr. Stefan Permien, CEO of UniverCell Holding GmbH.
Enrico Roicke, Managing Director of PCC Thorion GmbH, adds, “Together, we are establishing a closed supply chain from raw materials to highly innovative battery cells from Europe, which will prevail against existing competition not only technically but also economically.”
