The Problem

Conventional cathode material production relies on high-temperature, energy-intensive processes that generate costly waste streams, require large capital investment, and ultimately produce low-value commodity materials — leaving Western manufacturers structurally uncompetitive.

 Traditional sulphate-based co-precipitation processes produce large volumes of sodium sulphate waste — typically ~2–3 tonnes of by-product for every tonne of pCAM produced. This waste stream adds significant disposal costs, permitting complexity, and environmental burden, making pCAM production more expensive and harder to scale sustainably in Europe. 

Licovolt’s process dramatically improves cathode material production efficiency by reducing calcination time from 18+ hours to 6 hours (with a target of 2.5 hours) and cutting energy consumption by ~64% (from ~4,000 kWh/t to ~1,440 kWh/t). Our IP enables 3×–7× higher throughput from existing furnace infrastructure, reduces CO₂ emissions, and avoids significant furnace CAPEX.

Our patented material and oxalic-acid process also eliminates sodium sulphate waste entirely, avoiding hazardous by-products and saving on disposal, water, and permitting costs. 

Licovolt produces single-crystal, partially lithiated CAM, a premium material valued by automotive OEMs for improved durability and energy density — delivering higher yields, lithium retention, and tens of millions of euros in additional 

annual product value.

 The global cathode active material (CAM) market is projected to reach €47–65 billion by 2030, yet western producers outside China cannot make money — severely impacted by high energy costs, expensive sulphate waste disposal, excessive capital requirements, and a final product that commands no premium. 

Licovolt's proprietary oxalic acid and process solves each of these problems simultaneously, producing single crystal, partially lithiated CAM that commands a 15% market premium, while slashing energy use by ~64%, eliminating sodium sulphate waste entirely, and reducing furnace CAPEX by up to €34M per 10,000 tpa licensed. 

The result: 

€84.3M/yr in gross value per 10,000 tpa licensed.