Cathode active material

The crystalline powder in a lithium-ion battery's positive electrode that stores lithium and largely sets energy, lifetime and cost.

• Its chemistry defines the battery family: NMC (nickel-manganese-cobalt) for high energy, LFP (lithium iron phosphate) for low cost and safety.
• It is the most expensive single component of a cell, often around 30–40% of cell cost.
• Particle size, shape, coatings and impurities at parts-per-million levels all affect performance, so production is exacting chemistry.
• More nickel raises energy but lowers stability; China makes the large majority of the world's cathode material, with South Korea and Japan next.