Kinetically Stabilized Nanostructured Cathode Materials for Rechargeable Li-ion Batteries

Rechargeable (or secondary) Li-ion batteries are projected to become a $ 2 billion/year industry within the next three years. The major constituent of the cathode in state-of-the-art Li-ion batteries is lithium cobalt oxide power, which amounts to anestimated $ 300 million/year in terms of power market. In Phase I, using our patented vapor phase process, we developed a new class of kinetically stabilized nanostructured powders wherein discrete metastable oxide nanoparticles are formed. The energydensity of these powders was greater by 30-60%(depending upon the test conditions) than that of both coarse powders of the same composition, as well as state-of-the-art lithium cobalt oxide powders. Capitalizing on the Phase I innovation, and matchingfund support from out collaborators who are world leaders in Li-batteries, in Phase II, we propose to develop cathode materials that will lead to Li-ion batteries with an exceptional energy density (~250Wh/kg) and long cycle life (>250). The objective ofthe Phase II program is to get our technology