Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images of the Li [Ni0.45 Co0.1 Mn1.45] O4 spinel electrode. |
Scientists
are reporting development of an advanced lithium-ion battery that is
ideal for powering the electric vehicles now making their way into
dealer showrooms. The new battery can store large amounts of energy in a
small space and has a high rate capacity, meaning it can provide
current even in extreme temperatures. A report on this innovation
appears in ACS’ Journal of the American Chemical Society.
Bruno
Scrosati, Yang-Kook Sun, and colleagues point out that consumers have a
great desire for electric vehicles, given the shortage and expense of
petroleum. But a typical hybrid car can only go short distances on
electricity alone, and they hold less charge in very hot or very cold
temperatures. With the government push to have one million electric cars
on U.S. roads by 2015, the pressure to solve these problems is high. To
make electric vehicles a more realistic alternative to gas-powered
automobiles, the researchers realized that an improved battery was
needed.
The
scientists developed a high-capacity, nanostructured, tin-carbon anode,
or positive electrode, and a high-voltage, lithium-ion cathode, the
negative electrode. When the two parts are put together, the result is a
high-performance battery with a high energy density and rate capacity.
“On the basis of the performance demonstrated here, this battery is a
top candidate for powering sustainable vehicles,” the researchers say.
