AsianScientist (Mar. 2, 2015) – Researchers have developed silicate-based nanoboxes that could more than double the energy capacity of lithium-ion batteries as compared to conventional phosphate-based cathodes. Their results, published in Nano Energy, could hold the key to longer-lasting rechargeable batteries for electric vehicles and mobile devices.
Lithium-ion batteries are widely used to power many electronic devices, including smart phones, medical devices and electric vehicles. Their high energy density, excellent durability and lightness make them a popular choice for energy storage.
Due to a growing demand for long-lasting, rechargeable lithium-ion batteries for various applications, significant efforts have been devoted to improving the capacity of these batteries. In particular, there is great interest in developing new compounds that may increase energy storage capacity, stability and lifespan compared to conventional lithium phosphate batteries.
To address this question, researchers from the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN) of Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) collaborated with scientists from Quebec’s IREQ (Hydro-Québec’s research institute). They developed a wet-chemistry associated solid-state reaction to synthesize uniform, porous nanoboxes made of Li2MnSiO4@C.
“IBN researchers have successfully achieved simultaneous control of the phase purity and nanostructure of Li2MnSiO4 for the first time,” said Professor Jackie Y. Ying, IBN Executive Director. “This novel synthetic approach would allow us to move closer to attaining the ultrahigh theoretical capacity of silicate-based cathodes for battery applications.”
The present study is part of an ongoing research collaboration between IBN and Hydro-Québec established in 2011. The researchers plan to further enhance their new cathode materials to create high-capacity lithium-ion batteries for commercialization.
The article can be found at: Yang et al. (2015) Synthesis of Phase-Pure Li2MnSiO4@C Porous Nanoboxes for High-Capacity Li-ion Battery Cathodes.
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Source: A*STAR.
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