ASX-listed Firebird Metals has managed to reduce the sulphur content of its manganese-rich and nickel-manganese hydroxide materials by 46% to 610 parts per million, which strengthens the material's precursor quality for lithium-manganese-rich (LMR) cathode materials.

Firebird has reached a tap density of 1.36 g/cm³ which is 35% above its previously reported results and 11% above a commercial reference, which benefits the company's pathway towards commercialisation. Improved tap density may allow more active material, and therefore more energy, to fit within the same electrode volume.

In turn, sulphur is a key impurity that can adversely affect battery performance. Its removal during synthesis requires a series of washing steps which Firebird has successfully undertaken.

The company's latest testwork results on precursor material complement its ultra-high-purity manganese sulphate capability, which supports Firebird's overall strategy of developing an integrated supply of manganese chemicals, precursors and advanced cathode materials.

TESTING RATIONALE

Tap density measures how much powder packs into a defined volume. Higher tap density may help a battery cathode material store more energy in a given volume, provided its electrochemical performance is maintained. If improved packing translates into higher finished electrode density, the same capacity may be achieved with a thinner cathode coating.

Firebird’s further optimisation of co-precipitation and washing conditions has improved precursor tap density, particle-size distribution and impurity control relative to the company’s prior July 28 announcement.

As a next step, these results support progression to downstream LMR cathode synthesis and testing.

The precursor is produced using ammonia-complexed co-precipitation, with nickel and manganese salt solutions, ammonia and an alkaline solution fed into a controlled reaction system. The material is then aged, separated, washed and dried.

The Firebird team has refined reaction conditions and washing temperature, frequency and duration to improve particle formation and reduce residual impurities.

Firebird confirms that both General Motors and LG Energy Solution have announced plans to develop LMR battery technology. Firebird believes it is among the first Western-listed companies to publicly report performance data for proprietary LMR battery materials and aims to be a key supplier of advanced high-performance manganese battery materials into multiple industries.