IBU-tec advanced materials AG has reached an important milestone in the advancement of electrochemical manufacturing technologies: its new automated cell assembly line is now fully operational. With this, the company expands its capacity for industrial-scale processing of sodium-ion battery materials—a step with far-reaching implications for multiple industrial sectors, including the energy-intensive steel industry.
At the core of the new production line is the processing of sodium transition metal oxide cathodes, especially the company’s proprietary material IBUvolt® NMO (Na₀.₇MnO₂). The highly automated facility enables precise and efficient cell assembly—a significant advancement over conventional sodium metal-based methods. The goal is to raise quality, reproducibility, and performance to a new standard.
Quality Assurance at the Highest Level
A key element of the new production line is its comprehensive electrochemical quality control. Strictly defined testing protocols and cutting-edge analysis technology ensure that all cathode-active materials meet the highest industrial standards. Quality data is collected and analyzed in real-time, enabling immediate detection and correction of any deviations.
Relevance for Energy-Intensive Industries Like Steel Production
These advances are highly relevant not only for IBU-tec but also for industrial consumers. The steel industry in particular—facing high energy demands and increasing pressure to decarbonize—relies on scalable, safe, and cost-effective energy storage solutions. Sodium-ion batteries offer an attractive alternative to lithium-based systems: they are more affordable, based on globally available raw materials, and support stable energy supply, even with fluctuating renewable inputs.
Collaboration as a Driver of Innovation
This technological breakthrough was made possible through strong partnerships: the assembly technology was supplied by Cellerate Ltd., while Batalyse GmbH provided the powerful data analytics software. Together, they create the foundation for future-ready battery manufacturing in Germany—with an impact that extends far beyond individual industries.
