US scientists have unveiled details of new structure that could double the capacity of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries used in devices including laptops and mobile phones.
The technology is based on a new material for the positive electrode that comprises a nano-crystalline, layered-composite structure.
Researchers at the US Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory explained that the method uses a two-component " composite" structure.
An active component that provides for charge storage is embedded in an inactive component that stabilises the structure.
The new materials yielded "exceptionally high charge-storage capacities" greater than 250 mAh/g in recent tests, or more than twice the capacity of materials in conventional rechargeable lithium batteries.
Theories explaining the high capacity of the manganese-rich electrodes and their stability on charge/discharge cycling will be discussed at a meeting of The Electrochemical Society.
By focusing on manganese-rich systems instead of the more expensive cobalt and nickel versions of lithium batteries, overall battery cost is reduced, the researchers explained.
Researchers double capacity of lithium ion batteries
By
Robert Jaques
on May 9, 2007 3:02PM
New 'layered-composite' material improves performance and stability.
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