Components for Improved-Performance EV Batteries

Wider adoption of electric vehicles can be achieved with lower cost batteries that have higher specific energy and better durability. In the proposed project, pH Matter, LLC and the University of Akron will partner to develop components for lithium ion batteries that will increase their specific energy and capacity by greater than 30%. The anode components will be based on a combination of nanostructured materials developed at pH Matter, and polymers developed by the University of Akron. The new components will be consistent with existing manufacturing approaches for lithium ion batteries. The technologies being developed on this project will be used in electric vehicles, and portable electronics. Wider adoption of electric vehicles, enabled by better performing batteries, will reduce our nations dependence on foreign oil, and reduce air pollution associated with combustion engines. Better batteries for portable electronics will enable electronics i.e. smart phones and tablets) to last longer between charges, and enable developers to include more features in these devices.