Cathode

The cathode is the positive electrode of a battery, where reduction occurs during discharge; in lithium-ion cells it is the lithium-bearing material that largely determines energy density, cost, and the choice of critical raw materials. Common cathode chemistries include nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) and lithium iron phosphate (LFP). Because cathode materials are the main source of cobalt, lithium, and nickel in a cell, they drive the recycled-content, due-diligence, and material-recovery requirements of Regulation (EU) 2023/1542.