NOVONIX Limited has signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding with ACP Technologies, LLC to advance a domestic supply chain for battery-grade synthetic graphite anode active material in North America.

The framework provides for the companies to negotiate definitive agreements and pursue collaborative projects covering synthetic graphite anode active material, mass production process development, and proprietary technology advancement.

Through the partnership, NOVONIX intends to expand its product portfolio to offer customers a domestic pitch-coated synthetic graphite anode active material. The new product class opens applications including military drones and enhances the fast-charging capability of NOVONIX materials.

ACPT uses patented processes to convert low-value petroleum-derived feedstocks into engineered carbon precursors and high-value pitch, addressing a gap in domestic critical materials supply chains. The partners plan to combine ACPT's precursor technology with NOVONIX's expertise in synthetic graphite to accelerate commercialization.

“As we scale our U.S. manufacturing footprint, strategic relationships like this are essential,” said Harrison Kreafle, VP of Technology Development for NOVONIX. “ACPT brings a differentiated, domestic solution that elevates product performance and strengthens the U.S. supply chain.”

“NOVONIX is an ideal partner for ACPT as we expand the application of our proprietary pitch and carbon precursor technologies into the battery materials market,” said Kevin Mulrenin, President of ACPT. “By combining ACPT’s ability to convert petroleum-derived feedstocks into tailored carbon precursors with NOVONIX’s expertise in synthetic graphite and anode materials, we believe we can accelerate the development and commercialization of a competitive North American supply chain for battery-grade graphite.”

Materials produced through the collaboration are expected to support process validation, customer sampling, and the qualification of new domestic feedstocks. The partnership follows certification of NOVONIX's Riverside project in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in connection with US$103 million in tax credits allocated under the Section 48C Advanced Energy Project Credit Program.

Panasonic Energy is assessing delivered synthetic graphite anode active material C-samples over the coming months for formal validation following initial testing that met 12 out of 14 specification parameters, while NOVONIX and ACP Technologies continue working to negotiate definitive agreements under their memorandum of understanding.

Read the full announcement: NOVONIX and ACP Technologies Partner to Strengthen Domestic Supply Chain for Battery-Grade Anode Materials