Argonne, BASF in deal for batteries

DARIEN - U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory in Darien and BASF, the world's largest chemical company, Wednesday signed a worldwide licensing agreement to mass produce and market Argonne's patented composite cathode materials to manufacturers of advanced lithium-ion batteries. BASF will conduct further lithium-ion battery material application development in its Beachwood, Ohio, facility. The advanced batteries are expected to be higher-performing, longer-lasting and safer when compared to the existing technology.