BASF has announced an investment in the production of water-based anode binders to support the lithium-ion battery industry. The new binders will be produced at two existing dispersion plants in Jiangsu and Guangdong, China. In addition to their existing product portfolios, the two plants will produce two innovative anode binders: Licity and Basonal Power based on modified styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR). The new range of products is expected to come on stream from mid-2023.

Anode binders are small but important components that greatly impact battery performance and stability.  BASF’s water-based anode binders offer customers a sustainable option with high-quality and stable performance. It also increases battery capacity, improve cycle stability and reduce battery charging time. The investment is driven by growing demand for the lithium-ion battery market including the electric vehicle (EV) segment.

The investment will enable the production of a wide range of high-performance Licity and Basonal Power anode binders, making a strong addition to existing product portfolios. "Our customers are looking for stable supplies of high-quality products at a competitive cost," said Mirian Tiemi Zanchetta-Sbragia, Vice President of Business Management in Dispersions in BASF Asia Pacific. "Our growing range of innovative products and our local testing facilities will give our customers the competitive edge they need in the market."

Andreas Fechtenkoetter, Senior Vice President of Dispersions in BASF Asia Pacific, commented, "We are pleased to support the rapid growth of our customers in energy storage and the EV space. This will further strengthen BASF's position as one of the most reliable suppliers in the region."

The BASF dispersions business unit operates three production plants in China. The dispersions sites in Jiangsu and Guangdong started operations in 2002 and 2012 respectively.