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Canadian midstream battery materials innovation challenge

December 17, 2024

Value

Phase 1-Maximum funding: $200,000.00 CAD; Phase 2-Maximum funding: $1,500,000.00 CAD

Description

The National Research Council (NRC) is seeking the best-in-class Canadian lithium-based battery materials for electric vehicle (EV) and energy storage system (ESS) applications, leveraging the Canadian materials supply chain, in line with Canada’s Critical Minerals Strategy.

In this challenge, the NRC is seeking Canadian midstream battery materials companies that can demonstrate novel high-performance Lithium-based (not limited to Lithium-ion) cell chemistries that provide clear environmental benefits and improvements over traditional cathode manufacturing methods.  These solutions should leverage Canadian precursor supply chain options in alignment with Canada’s Critical Minerals Strategy.

Eligible Applicants

Solution proposals can only be submitted by a small business that meets all of the following criteria:

  • for profit
  • incorporated in Canada (federally or provincially)
  • 499 or fewer full-time equivalent (FTE) employees
  • research and development activities that take place in Canada
  • 50% or more of its annual wages, salaries and fees are currently paid to employees and contractors who spend the majority of their time working in Canada
  • 50% or more of its FTE employees have Canada as their ordinary place of work
  • 50% or more of its senior executives (Vice President and above) have Canada as their principal residence

Eligible Expenses

The proposed solution must:

  1. Cycle life: Detail the predicted number of charge-discharge cycles expected before capacity falls below 80%, at either half or full cell, under standard charge and discharge rates and at 25°C:
    • Nickel manganese cobalt (NMC)-type materials: >1,500-2,500 cycles.
    • Lithium iron phosphate (LFP)-type materials: >3,000-5,000 cycles.
  2. Specific capacity: Demonstrate the chemistry meets or exceeds the specific capacities below:
    • NMC-type: >190-200 mAh/g at C/20 and 25°C.
    • LFP-type: >150-170 mAh/g at C/20 and 25°C.
  3. Hysteresis: Demonstrate the chemistry meets or exceeds the hysteresis values below:
    • NMC-type: <35-45 mV.
    • LFP-type: <50-60 mV.
  4. First cycle efficiency: Demonstrate the chemistry meets or exceeds the first cycle efficiency values below:
    • NMC-type: First Cycle Efficiency >85%.
    • LFP-type: First Cycle Efficiency >90%.
  5. Fade rate: Demonstrate the chemistry meets or exceeds the following fade rates:
    • NMC-type: >90-95% capacity retention after 100 cycles.
    • LFP-type: >95-98% capacity retention after 100 cycles.
  6. Rate capability: Demonstrate the ability to charge and discharge at high rates (at least 3C / 5C, respectively) without significant loss of capacity, as required for automotive or energy storage systems.
  7. Thermal stability and safety: Demonstrate the thermal stability and safety of high-performance midstream battery material(s) under high-rate charge and discharge conditions.
  8. Cost of manufacturing: Detail the key costs of raw materials and manufacturing processes and explain why the material is promising for high-volume manufacturing.
  9. Environmental impact: Demonstrate any improved environmental benefits and sustainability of the proposed solution(s).
  10. Supply chain alignment with Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy: Detail a plan to increase the use of Canadian critical minerals.
  11. Scalability: Describe or detail the potential for scalability and integration into existing or novel green manufacturing processes.
  12. Commercialization pathway: Provide an outline of the commercialization plan that includes a schedule to bring the battery material to market, the steps involved in scaling production, the required investment capital (including amount and timelines), and establishing agreements with cell manufacturers.

Deadline Date

December 17, 14:00 Eastern Time

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There is grant money waiting for YOU! BUT if you step in a “grant trap,” your application is a NO! Learn the FIVE most common errors to AVOID in government grants! Get the 5 Grant Gotchas now to save you countless hours.

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