Argonne National Laboratory licenses battery technology to Toda Kogyo

[DainBramaged]

Patented cathode materials result in longer-lasting, safer batteries for cars, phones, computers

Argonne National Laboratory and Toda Kogyo Corp. of Japan have reached a worldwide licensing agreement for the commercial production and sales of Argonne's patented composite cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries, which result in longer-lasting, safer batteries for hybrid-electric vehicles, cell phones, laptop computers, and other applications.

"Our agreement with Toda Kogyo is an important step toward bringing to market key advanced lithium-ion battery technologies that are being developed here at Argonne with funding from the U.S. Department of Energy," Gary Henriksen, Manager of the Electrochemical Energy Storage Department at Argonne, said. "The technologies being licensed will enhance the performance, life and inherent safety of lithium-ion cells compared to those that employ the cobalt-based cathode technology that has dominated the market since the introduction of lithium-ion batteries in 1990."

The family of structurally integrated composite cathode materials being licensed uses a new combination of lithium/manganese mixed metal oxides in a revolutionary materials-design approach to extend the time between charges, increase calendar life and improve lithium-ion cell safety.

The new cathode materials are comprised of a composite matrix using an inherently stable inactive lithium-metal oxide that is integrated with a highly active form of another lithium-metal oxide component. This composite allows for greater levels of lithium to be used, while reducing oxygen-induced side reactions at the electrode surface that limit cell life and safety. The enhanced stability of these materials allows the system to be charged to higher voltages, leading to a significantly higher energy storage capacity than currently available materials through both the higher voltage and higher capacity per unit weight of active material.

This cathode technology is part of a large and diverse portfolio of lithium-ion battery inventions and patents developed at Argonne. Funded primarily by DOE's Vehicle Technologies Program, the scientists and engineers at Argonne have developed numerous technologies for improving the life, safety and performance of lithium-ion batteries, including several types of more stable advanced cathode and anode materials for higher power or higher energy storage applications and electrolyte systems that further stabilize the electrode/electrolyte interfaces.

http://www.anl.gov/techtransfer/

[gear_head]

1. the electric car is coming n/t

[bigbrother05]

2. Begs the question, Why aren't US companies doing this too?

Argonne is the top of the line research center for DOE. Hope our Dem candidates try to improve the chances of keeping more of this type of development here to provide needed jobs.

Not protectionist, just wish a few of the US Wall Street Billionaires would invest in emerging technology instead of going for the lowest cost provider to bloat their portfolio.

[DainBramaged]

3. My thoughts too. I guess we just want to give it all away.