Page 165 - CW E-Magazine (23-7-2024)

News from Abroad News from Abroad

MODULAR PRODUCTION PLATFORM BATTERY SHOW 2024
IBAT begins operations of fi rst commercial DLE Syensqo showcases specialty materials portfolio

plant in North America designed for electric mobility

Texas-based International Battery modular platform with a target of in a lithium-chloride solution with the Syensqo, previously part of Solvay
Metals Ltd. (IBAT) said it has com- signifi cantly increasing capacity. requisite feedstock purity to produce group, presented its solutions for clean
menced operations of its commercial battery-grade lithium. The technology mobility at ‘The Battery Show Europe
proprietary modular direct lithium “This achievement is a harbinger has been independently verifi ed to ex- 2024’ in Stuttgart, Germany, from
extraction (DLE) plant in Utah. for an industry-transformation to signi- tract more than 97% of available lithi- June 18-20.
fi cantly boost lithium production on um from brine.
The company said the development a more cost-effective and sustainable Driven by its battery materials and
represents “the fi rst lithium produced basis, clearing a path for supplies of IBAT’s proprietary absorbent does green hydrogen growth platforms,
from the only modular DLE operation lower-priced, high-quality lithium for not require chemicals in the extraction which are designed to accelerate the
in the world and the fi rst commercial EV batteries and large-scale grid back- process. The technology extracts lithium transition to a more sustainable future,
DLE operation in North America.” The up battery installations,” said Mr. John from brine sources and returns the the company has been at the forefront
commercial facility is co-located at the Burba, founder and Chief Technology lithium-depleted brine back to its of developments in electric vehicle
operations of US Magnesium LLC (US Offi cer of IBAT. This milestone is a source. At the Utah operation, upon technology for decades.
Mag) and is extracting lithium from a culmination of over four decades of acceptance testing IBAT will receive
byproduct magnesium chloride/lithium Mr. Burba’s work in lithium extraction, royalties from US Mag from lithium At the show, Syensqo launched a
chloride brine derived from historic including the invention of the fi rst lithium sales as well as payments for equip- new PVDF grade, Solef ZA830, the
magnesium production. absorbent, used in the world’s fi rst DLE ment rental based on lithium prices and latest addition to the company’s portfolio
plant at Hombre Muerto in Argentina performance. of PVDF grades tailored for use in bat-
IBAT’s modular DLE system, cur- for FMC Technologies, which has been teries made using high nickel cathode processing costs. Compatible with a In addition to PVDF, Syensqo
rently situated on about one-acre, is in in continuous production since 1998. To build out its operations, IBAT active materials, offering unprecedented wide range of active battery materials, offers a range of materials and tech-
production and providing lithium chlo- said it is in discussions with large cathode adhesion and processability. It it helps to increase battery cycle life nologies for current and next-genera-
ride to US Mag. The next step for IBAT IBAT’s DLE technology selectively industrial companies, including auto- is commercially available worldwide. and energy density, delivering long- tion electric vehicle batteries, battery
is to expand production by installing extracts lithium ions via absorption with makers, as well as oil and gas majors term performance even while operating packs, e-motors and power electronics,
additional columns on the same DLE a proprietary crystal structure, resulting and brine-resource owners. “This new grade is designed to meet at high voltage,” said Mr. Maurizio as well as solutions aimed at enabling
the needs of our customers by enabling Gastaldi, Battery Materials Growth a faster transition to a green hydrogen
NEW LOOK higher production speeds and lower Platform Director. economy.
Solenis marks 10-year anniversary with new brand identity
NON-CORE ACTIVITY
Solenis, a US-based producer of water and spa treatment markets. In 2023,
speciality chemicals, marked its 10th Solenis acquired Diversey to meet the FMC to divest non-crop pest control business to Envu
anniversary by launching a new brand increased demand for water management,
identity. Updated brand elements re- cleaning and hygiene solutions. During FMC Corporation, the US-based options for GSS, which includes a tion and resources it needs to continue
fl ect the company’s continued growth the past decade, Solenis also completed agricultural sciences company, has line of products that serve a diverse thriving. With this divestment, FMC
and vision while establishing a cohe- more than 20 other acquisitions. agreed to sell its Global Specialty mix of non-crop markets such as golf can focus solely on its core busi-
sive look for its growing global port- Solutions (GSS) business to Environ- courses, professional sports stadiums ness,” said Mr. Pierre Brondeau, FMC
folio, which includes Diversey, a leading “With this fresh brand identity, we mental Science US, known as Envu, and pest control. FMC said its focus Chairman and CEO.
brand for hygiene, infection prevention bring Solenis and Diversey together an environmental science company. on the global crop protection market
and cleaning products and technology. and sustainability goals,” said Mr. John under a unifi ed appearance,” said Envu will purchase the GSS business meant that “GSS no longer has a clear, Envu, which was acquired by inter-
Panichella, the company’s CEO. Mr. Gaetano Redaelli, Chief Technology for a purchase price of $350-mn, sub- strategic role in the company’s mid- or national private equity fi rm Cinven in
“Just ten years ago, we launched Offi cer. Solenis said it has updated the ject to closing working capital adjust- longer-term goals.” 2022, is dedicated to the environmen-
Solenis from our legacy brand, Ash- Solenis legacy brands include Ash- visuals on its corporate website and will ment. Financial terms of the deal were tal science sector and sees GSS as an
land Water Technologies. Now, we land, Drew and Hercules among others. gradually update other assets, including not disclosed. “Global Specialty Solutions is a opportunity to support its growth strategy
stand strong as a diversifi ed, world- Platinum Equity acquired Solenis in sub-brand websites and product pack- profi table business with a strong his- while continuing to deliver innovations
wide brand forging a path that leads 2021, expanding its portfolio to include aging. The Diversey website was also In November last year, FMC tory of growth. We believe this agree- for customers in professional pest man-
customers to achieve their operational the residential and commercial pool recently integrated into Solenis. announced plans to explore strategic ment with Envu will provide the atten- agement, turf & ornamentals, and others.

164 Chemical Weekly July 23, 2024 Chemical Weekly July 23, 2024 165

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