APPLICATIONS OF TECHNOLOGY:
Lithium-ion batteries for
- Electric / plug-in vehicles
- Portable electronics
- Renewable energy storage
ADVANTAGES:
- Longer battery life
- Easy-to-synthesize polymer binder
ABSTRACT:
Researchers have developed a new technology to advance the life of lithium-ion batteries. A catechol-based polymer binder, developed at Berkeley Lab, interacting with the oxide layer on the surface of commercial silicon (Si), generates powerful adhesion strength and maintains electrode integrity during the drastic volume changes experienced in lithiation and delithiation. The result is a better binding property and longer electrode life in lithium-ion batteries.
While Si has been the focus of lithium-ion battery anode research due to its high capacity, its use has been hampered by volume changes during lithiation and delithiation. The Berkeley Lab technology overcomes this limitation to represent an important step forward in the search for a longer lasting, Si-based lithium-ion batteries.
DEVELOPMENT STAGE: Proven principle
STATUS: Patented: US Patent # 10079387. Available for licensing or collaborative research.
REFERENCE NUMBER: 2014-051