NEW BUSINESS
3M Co., Maplewood, and Korea-based Ecopro have entered into a patent license agreement that aims at further expanding the use of nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) cathode materials in lithium ion batteries. The cathode compositions composed of nickel, manganese and cobalt offer an outstanding balance of power, energy, thermal stability and low cost. NMC cathode materials can be tailored through changes in composition and morphology to meet a wide range of demanding customer requirements from high-energy handheld consumer electronics to high-power (hybrid) electric vehicles.
DEBT AND EQUITIES
Xcel Energy Inc., Minneapolis, declared a quarterly dividend of 28 cents per common share, payable Jan. 20 to shareholders of record on Dec. 27.
