NEO Battery Materials Ltd. (NEO), a low-cost silicon anode materials developer that enables longer-running, rapid-charging lithium-ion batteries, has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Linde Korea Co., an affiliate of the leading industrial gases and engineering company, to collaborate on the scale-up of NEO’s silicon anode manufacturing for lithium-ion batteries. There are no material terms or considerations regarding this MOU.

Under the MOU, Linde, NEO, and NBM Korea Co. (NBMK) will collaborate to incorporate and optimize Linde’s industrial gases, specifically nitrogen and argon, as critical inert gases in NEO’s silicon anode manufacturing process. These gases have a significant role in ensuring the quality of NEO’s production environment, minimizing input oxidation risks and enabling quality control of the anode’s performance.

Linde and NEO’s strategic collaboration is structured to support the technical transition from the current pilot-scale to commercial-scale production. NEO and NBMK will work closely with Linde to define technical requirements and implement leading engineering solutions tailored to optimize NEO’s silicon anode manufacturing process. The commitment to adopting Linde’s advanced industrial gas technology will enhance the energy efficiency and performance of NEO’s silicon anode products.

B. S. Sung, President of Linde Korea, said, “We look forward to working with NEO, combining our extensive expertise and capabilities to drive innovation and create value for our partners while also paving the way for future growth and success.”

Spencer Huh, Director, President & CEO of NEO, commented, “This MOU with Linde marks a key step in NEO’s ongoing route-to-commercialization strategy. Both parties are committed to maintaining a productive relationship toward the mass production of our silicon anodes. By working with a global leader like Linde, we anticipate receiving advanced engineering expertise to realize efficient production and high levels of quality control and assurance.”