New Type of Cobalt-free Cathode Promises to Improve Energy Density of Lithium-ion Batteries

Industry News – Monday, December 21, 2020

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have developed a new class of cobalt-free cathodes that show promise for use in lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles. The new cathodes are called NFA (nickel-, iron- and aluminum-based) and could be an alternative to more expensive battery technology currently in use.

In addition, researchers expect the novel cathodes to achieve fast charging time, high energy density and improvement in life expectancy.

Ilias Belharouak is leading the research project and emphasizes the scope of his team's progress. He explains that demand for lithium-ion batteries is growing worldwide, with more than 100 million electric vehicles to be expected on the road by 2030. But rare cobalt currently makes batteries for electric vehicles expensive. Belharouak explaines: “We are developing a cathode that has similar or better electrochemical characteristics than cobalt-based cathodes while utilizing lower cost raw materials.”


Source & Image: ORNL, U.S. Dept. of Energy │ www.ornl.gov

The ees International Magazine is specialized on the future-oriented market of electrical energy storage systems, not only from a technological-, but also a financial and application-oriented point-of-view. In cooperation with ees Global, the ees International Magazine informs the energy industry about current progress and the latest market innovations.

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