Advanced Materials for Improved Safety Lithium-ion Batteries

Boston-Power Inc. proposes a combination of high-energy Li-ion cathode materials and an electrolyte with high voltage and thermal (limited flammability) stabilities to meet the demand for ever-increasing battery run-times without sacrificing operating safety. Our target application is man-portable devices, such as communication equipment, cameras/videos, and portable computers. We will incorporate less-expensive cathode materials than conventional Li-ion batteries, and have scheduled discussions with a US chemical company to supply these compounds commercially. Evaluation of cathode intercalants and electrolyte candidates will be completed under Phase I, and a battery chemistry selected for pilot-scale production during Phase II. Boston-Power will take advantage of its expertise gained from manufacturing high-performing Sonata® batteries, which are designed for laptop computer industry and incorporate a form factor accentuating safety and cell longevity.