Nanoramic Laboratories has developed an innovative nano-carbon electrode technology that could transform lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and other energy storage applications.
High capacity Neocarbonix silicone-dominant anodes, paired with high-loading nickel-rich cathodes, boost cell energy density by 30% without compromising cell impedance and fast charging capabilities.
Nanoramic claim to reduce the cost of production by 20% through the use of low boiling point, non-toxic solvents— made possible by a 3D carbon binding structure— and higher utilisation rates of existing equipment.
The firm says its technology allows lithium-ion batteries to charge to 80% in less than 15 minutes in high energy density cells (>900Wh/L).
The Neocarbonix cathodes do not require NMP solvent and PDFP binder during the wet coating process. This enables high loading cathodes with high electrical conductivity, as well as high silicone content anodes.
A nanoscopic carbon-based binding mesh works as a conductive scaffold for the electrodes, as well as a binding structure for active material particles. The electrode structures created via the coating process of a slurry, and the structure formed during the slurry drying step with an engineered self-assembly process.
Neocarbonix electrodes work with any active material in both conventional lithium-ion technology and solid-state batteries.
The electrodes are designed to simplify the recycling of cathode active materials so, with no toxic solvents, recycling is more efficient and less energy intensive.
Eric Kish, CEO of Nanoramic, said: “Our Neocarbonix electrode technology is set to transform the future characteristics of lithium-ion energy storage, providing rapid scalability thanks to its compatibility with existing battery designs. Looking even further ahead, Neocarbonix will also provide similar advantages for the next generation of solid-state batteries”.
Nanoramic’s research was originally funded by NASA, the US Department of Energy and the Department of Defence.
