Batteries.

Battery electrolyte developer Ampcera has announced the latest step in the commercialisation of its flexible solid electrolyte (SE) membrane technology for solid-state lithium-ion batteries. 

The US firm claims its solid-state electrolyte (SSE) has the potential to enable solid-state lithium metal batteries to achieve an energy density of 500Wh/kg while reducing cost to below $100/kWh.  

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is calling for a safety loophole to be closed after a fire destroyed a truck transporting large format lithium-ion batteries.

Recommendations by the independent US government agency responsible for investigating civil transportation have been made to address “gaps in the existing regulations” uncovered during the inquiry into the fire in Canada.

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have developed a thin film, highly conductive solid-state electrolyte made of a polymer and ceramic-based composite for lithium metal batteries. 

The electrolyte’s novel design is a three-dimensional interconnected structure that can provide mechanical robustness and high lithium ionic conductivity at room temperature.

Image: A thin film solid-state electrolyte with a three-dimensionally interconnected structure was fabricated by ORNL researchers. The structure increased conductivity through the ceramic base. Credit: Xi Chen/Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Dept. of Energy

Honda Motor Europe is expanding its partnership with French company SNAM (Société Nouvelle d’Affinage des Métaux) to include the collection and recycling of lithium-ion and nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries.

The expansion of the agreement will see SNAM collect lithium-ion and NiMH batteries from Honda's dealer network and Authorised Treatment Facilities (ATF) across 22 countries.

Nanoengineers at the University of California San Diego have developed a four-point plan to speed the commercialisation of solid-state batteries.

The researchers focused on inorganic solid electrolytes such as ceramic oxides or sulfide glasses.