Ultra-pure CMC optimizes binder and separator performance in lithium-ion batteries

Expanding carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) portfolio delivers key functionalities for the battery market.  

Since acquiring this technology in 2020, Nouryon has leveraged its portfolio of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) products to expand into broader end market applications. CMC is a versatile, sustainable, biobased water-soluble polymer. It is used as a binder, dispersant, rheology modifier, and thickener in many applications including battery cell materials. Manufacturers of battery cell materials (anodes, cathodes, separators) require an ultra-pure grade of CMC because impurities can interfere with the production efficiency and the performance of a battery.

Lithium battery for electric vehicles.

In lithium-ion battery applications, CMC provides binder and separator reinforcement capabilities to optimize the aqueous binder system performance of the electrodes and as a slurry coating to reinforce the separator between the anode and cathode. When used in lithium-ion battery electrodes and separators, Nouryon’s high-performing CMC presents several fundamental properties that improve the electrode coating process to contribute to the ability of a battery to retain and deliver power more effectively, thereby enabling elevated battery performance. Nouryon’s development of a more advanced CMC solution is critical in the cell material manufacturing process, yielding benefits through its lower insoluble content, stable slurry and dispersion, and faster dissolving properties.

Integral to the full battery lifecycle 

In addition to CMC for battery cell materials, Nouryon offers various chemistry solutions that are fundamental to the full battery lifecycle​, from mining and refining to material production and recycling. Combining our robust product portfolio with world-class technology, application know-how, an optimized supply chain, and global logistics enables the Company to deliver significant advantages to our customers.  

Nouryon’s portfolio of solutions tailored for battery cell materials extends across multiple chemistries, including:

Nouryon is one of the world’s largest global producers of CMC and has been manufacturing it for more than 80 years.  With an excellent track record of safety and reliability, Nouryon benefits from in-house laboratory, quality control, and dedicated R&D and application support teams, along with pilot plant facilities. 

Related information and contact

Please contact your sales representative for more information about Nouryon’s portfolio of innovative technologies critical to the full battery lifecycle.  

For high performance batteries that last longer

We offer CMC, colloidal silica, and hydrogen peroxide for batteries such as AkuPure™ CMC for lithium-ion battery cell binders and separators; Eka® HP hydrogen peroxide for metal refining and recycling; Levasil® GB colloidal silica for gel lead-acid and AGM batteries. Learn more.

Optimize and strengthen cell materials with AkuPure™ CMC

AkuPure™ sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is especially suited for aqueous binder systems and separator reinforcement in lithium-ion battery anodes.

We respect your privacy.

We use essential and non-essential cookies to provide, secure, analyze and improve our services. Click 'Agree' to accept or learn more about our Cookie Policy and edit your preferences. 

You can change settings at any time.

Edit