Benzinga | Sep 9, 2021 08:10AM EDT

Koppers Announces Participation In Sustainable Battery Projects

Koppers Carbon Materials and Chemicals Pty Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Koppers Holdings Inc. (NYSE:KOP), an integrated global provider of treated wood products, wood treatment chemicals and carbon compounds, today announced its active participation with two Australia-based organizations to pursue advancements in battery performance that promise a more sustainable energy future.

Koppers has patents pending relating to advanced carbon products that will be used in the electric vehicle (EV) and lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery markets globally. The products arising from these patent applications raise the potential to enhance the electrochemical performance and extend the life of the battery. These enhancements can contribute to higher energy efficiencies and a more sustainable world, as batteries take on a greater role in storing energy in electric vehicles and other applications.

Koppers has committed to serve as a key participant in the Future Battery Industries Cooperative Research Centre (FBICRC), a partnership of industry, researchers and government organizations with nearly 70 participants across 15 projects. The FBICRC is focused on the growth of battery industries in Australia and targeting all segments of the battery value chain to deliver commercially scalable outcomes.

Koppers will be contributing to three research, manufacturing and testing projects covering: super anode materials, future electrolyte systems, and electro-chemical testing of full-scale batteries. As the sole carbon pitch producer participating in FBICRC, Koppers is positioned to become a key supplier of enhanced carbon products to the battery industry.

Koppers is also working with Sicona Battery Technologies, an Australian developer of next generation composite battery anode materials technology. Koppers anticipates partnering with Sicona to be their exclusive provider of enhanced carbon products as an essential component of developing the Sicona product.

"Koppers has maintained an important and successful presence in Australia for many years, and we look forward to strengthening our partnerships in the region," said Koppers President and CEO Leroy Ball. "As the world's energy solutions continue to evolve, it remains a priority for Koppers to look for innovative ways to expand our portfolio with more sustainable end-uses for our enhanced carbon products. The FBICRC and Sicona projects align extremely well with our strategic priorities, and we are proud and eager to play a central role in the quest to improve battery performance. Moreover, we look forward to using our acquired knowledge to replicate similar technologies throughout the rapidly growing global battery market."