With the accelerating shift towards electric, BASF has decided to invest in the production of waterborne negative adhesives to support the lithium-ion battery industry.

China: On May 20, 2023, BASF has stated that it will invest in producing waterborne negative adhesives by converting two existing dispersion factories in the provinces of Jiangsu and Guangdong. The project is anticipated to begin production in the middle of 2023, and the two units will add two cutting-edge negative adhesive technologies, such as Licity and BasonalPower, to their current product portfolio. These revolutionary products from BASF are designed to speed up battery charging time, improve cycle stability, and boost battery capacity. The investment reflects the rising need for lithium-ion batteries, particularly for electric vehicles.

The application constraints of lithium-ion batteries, such as their performance at low temperatures, are solved by BASF adhesives. Both are water-based adhesives with excellent compatibility with auxiliary adhesives like carboxymethyl cellulose and strong colloidal stability (CMC). Excellent processability and superior coating performance distinguish BASF adhesives. They also have superior mechanical and electrochemical qualities. In addition, the negative electrode binder makes up a minor portion of the ion battery's material, but it has a significant impact on the battery's stability and performance. In 98 % of lithium battery negative electrode binders, (Styrene-Butadiene Rubber) SBR is employed. SBR binder solid concentration is between 49% and 51%, is highly soluble in water and polar solvents, has strong binding, and is operable and mechanically stable. Typically, 1.5% of the negative electrode material is made up of negative binders.

Furthermore, the water-based adhesive utilized in the lithium battery negative electrode material is a component of the newly emerging, rapidly expanding sector of household adhesives. The high-end lithium battery water-based adhesive business is now extremely competitive and nearly monopolized by Japanese firms like ZEON and JSR. The above-mentioned Japanese firms primarily concentrate on R&D and production capacity in Japan, whereas in China, they primarily concentrate on market sales, with high product pricing and a somewhat constrained supply.

According to the Senior Vice President of BASF's Asia Pacific dispersion, Fu Anzhi, As the battery market changes, BASF's investment in lithium battery negative adhesive is a crucial first step. The change might help BASF's clients keep up with the rapid advancement of electric vehicles, energy storage, and other fields. It enhances BASF's standing as one of the most dependable cell material providers in the Asia-Pacific region. Furthermore, Mirian Tiemi Zanchetta-Sbragia, Vice President of Business Management in Dispersions at BASF Asia Pacific, stated that 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. Also, he said BASF growing range of innovative products and our local testing facilities will give our customers the competitive edge they need in the market. Moreover, Andreas Fechtenkoetter, Senior Vice President of Dispersions in BASF Asia Pacific, commented, BASF is pleased to support the rapid growth of their customers in energy storage and the EV space through innovations like this. Also, this will further strengthen BASF's position as one of the most reliable suppliers in the region.

According to TechSci Research, this innovation by BASF will have a positive impact on the electric vehicle and energy sectors. Techsci Research believes that BASF's investment signifies its commitment to addressing the critical challenges faced by lithium battery manufacturers. Adhesives play a crucial role in battery performance and reliability, and by investing in the development of specialized negative adhesives, BASF is aligning itself with the industry's pressing needs. Moreover, the global lithium battery market is projected to witness significant growth in the coming years, driven by factors such as the rapid adoption of electric vehicles and the increasing demand for renewable energy storage. Techsci Research sees BASF's investment as a strategic move to capitalize on these market opportunities and expand its presence in the burgeoning battery industry. Also, advanced adhesive solutions have the potential to improve battery performance by optimizing electron and ion transport, enhancing adhesion strength, and improving thermal stability. Techsci Research thinks that BASF's investment in negative adhesive research aims to deliver these benefits, thereby helping battery manufacturers produce more efficient and longer-lasting lithium-ion batteries.