Lithium-ion battery additive Trinohex® Ultra approved for REACH expansion in Europe

August 28, 2023

A unique electrolyte additive for lithium-ion batteries has been approved for increased access to the European Union, said Ascend Performance Materials, the U.S.-based manufacturer of the molecule. Trinohex® Ultra, manufactured and marketed exclusively by Ascend, is now approved for import into the EU in quantities up to 100 metric tons annually per REACH, the regulation for registration, evaluation and authorization of chemicals in the region. 

Trinohex® Ultra is high-purity 1,3,6-hexanetricarbonitrile designed to increase the cycle life and improve the safety of high-voltage lithium-ion batteries, such as those used in electric vehicles. It works by forming a protective film around the cathode, which prevents metal ion dissolution and decomposition of the electrolyte, resulting in safer, longer-lasting batteries.    

“Europe is home to more than a quarter of the global EV production,” said Dave McNeece, the business director for the sustainable specialties division of Ascend. “The expanded import volumes will allow us to support the production of more than 200,000 new electric vehicles each year.” 

In third-party testing, Trinohex Ultra has demonstrated superior cathode protection across cathode and electrolyte chemistries. This protection has shown a 30% reduction in harmful gas generation and longer-lasting performance, especially in extreme conditions. 

“Mass adoption of e-mobility and other renewable energies depends on battery safety, performance, cost and material availability,” McNeece said. “Trinohex Ultra is a drop-in solution to these challenges and can be integrated easily into existing battery chemistries and manufacturing processes.” 

Trinohex Ultra is manufactured on world-scale assets and readily available globally. Ascend announced last year REACH registration in China, and the company continues to pursue new and expanded chemical inventory registrations throughout the world.