New 'layered-layered' materials for rechargeable
lithium batteries
Researchers at the Department of Energy's Argonne
National Laboratory have developed a new approach to increasing the
capacity and stability of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.
The technology is based on a new material for the
positive electrode that is comprised of a unique nano-crystalline,
layered-composite structure.
Argonne’s strategy uses a two-component "composite"
structure - an active component that provides for charge storage is
embedded in an inactive component that stabilizes the structure.
In recent tests, the new materials yielded
exceptionally high charge-storage capacities, greater than 250 mAh/g,
or more than twice the capacity of materials in conventional
rechargeable lithium batteries. Theories explaining the high capacity
of these manganese-rich electrodes and their stability upon charge/discharge
cycling will be discussed at the Electrochemical Society meeting.
In addition, by focusing on manganese-rich systems,
instead of the more expensive cobalt and nickel versions of lithium
batteries, overall battery cost is reduced.
Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries which would
incorporate the new materials with increased capacity and enhanced
stability could be expected to be used in a diverse range of
applications, from consumer electronics such as cell phones and laptop
computers, to cordless tools and medical devices such as cardiac
pacemakers and defibrillators. In larger batteries, the technology
could be used in the next generation of hybrid electric vehicles and
plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.
Source / Further
information:
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Publishing date: 08-May-2007
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The nation's first national laboratory,
Argonne National
Laboratory conducts basic and applied scientific research
across a wide spectrum of disciplines, ranging from high-energy
physics to climatology and biotechnology. Since 1990, Argonne has
worked with more than 600 companies and numerous federal agencies
and other organizations to help advance America's scientific
leadership and prepare the nation for the future. Argonne is
managed by UChicago Argonne, LLC for the U.S. Department of
Energy's Office of Science.
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