NCA Cathode
Nickel-cobalt-aluminium lithium-ion cathode, distinct from LFP and NMC already in the library.
Overview
NCA (nickel-cobalt-aluminium) is a layered-oxide cathode used in high-energy automotive lithium-ion cells, notably Tesla-class cylindrical packs and some performance and hypercar programmes. It is a processed ceramic powder, not a cell, and it is distinct from both LFP and NMC already in the library. Relative to NMC, NCA trades manganese for aluminium in the oxide, typically aiming at high specific energy with a nickel-rich chemistry. Thermal behaviour, cobalt content and supply chain differ from LFP's iron-phosphate story and from NMC 622/811. This page is the active material — coated powder calendered onto foil — not the finished battery. Recycling recovers nickel, cobalt, lithium and aluminium values. OEM specifications increasingly treat NCA as one of the high-nickel cathode options alongside nickel-rich NMC.
Automotive Applications
Similar Materials
NMC Cathode
Lithium-Ion Cathode
Nickel-manganese-cobalt lithium-ion cathode active material, distinct from LFP already in the library.
Aluminium Trihydrate (ATH)
Metal Hydroxide
A flame retardant filler used in automotive cables, wire harnesses, and interior polymers, releasing water vapour when heated to suppress combustion and reduce smoke.
Ceramic Substrates (Alumina & Aluminium Nitride)
Technical Ceramic
High-performance ceramic materials used as substrates for electronic components, power modules, and sensors in automotive powertrain and control systems.
Gallium Nitride (GaN)
Wide Bandgap Semiconductor
A wide bandgap semiconductor enabling ultra-compact, high-frequency power conversion in EV charging and power electronics applications.
Properties
Category
Type
Lithium-Ion Cathode
Available Forms
Key Properties
- High specific energy nickel-rich cathode
- Aluminium-stabilised layered oxide
- Distinct from LFP and NMC
- Cobalt- and nickel-bearing
- Processed cathode powder not a cell
- Recyclable metal values