A project to diversify cathode production for batteries in the Indo-Pacific region led by QUT Professor Deepak Dubal has received a $2.2 million grant under the Quad Clean Energy Supply Chain Diversification Program, supported by the Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR).
The project, titled "Cost-Effective Cathode Production for Indo-Pacific Battery Markets", aims to accelerate development of a highly energy-efficient, advanced heating process for manufacturing of battery cathode materials at lower cost and reduced emissions using Australian critical minerals.
Professor Deepak Dubal (pictured at right above) from QUT's School of Chemistry and Physics and QUT's Centre for Materials Science said Australia had vast battery mineral reserves which were exported as raw material.
"Australia must adopt innovative material refining technologies to shift from exports to a key role in the global battery manufacturing supply chain," Professor Dubal said.
"This project aims to diversify the Indo-Pacific battery supply chain by introducing a scalable, sustainable process for manufacturing cathode materials using Australian critical minerals.
"QUT has developed a groundbreaking rapid heating process to produce high-quality cathode materials for lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries.
"Advantages of this novel process over conventional methods of heating critical minerals like lithium, sodium, cobalt and nickel are: faster processing - cuts hours to minutes; enhanced energy efficiency - lowers energy use and reduces carbon footprints; precise control over material properties - advanced battery safety, performance and lifespan."
Project co-lead Professor Viet Ngu (Vincent) Hoang (pictured left above), from QUT's School of Economics and Finance, said the project was not just a scientific breakthrough but also an economic one.
"By demonstrating a low-cost, low-carbon pathway for cathode production, we can build investment partnerships across Australia, Vietnam, South Korea, and India, strengthening Indo-Pacific energy security," Professor Hoang said.
Professor Dubal said this project would take their breakthrough heating technology from the lab in Australia to pilot-scale trials in Vietnam.
"This is paving the way for real-world validation of next-generation cathode materials at battery manufacturing sites in South Korea and India," he said.
"It is a major step toward building resilient, diversified supply chains and reducing Australia's reliance on single sources.
"With strong backing from industry and government, the project aims to make Australia a key player in the global battery supply chain, accelerating the adoption of clean energy technologies across the Indo-Pacific."
