SBIR Phase I: Carbon-Coated Nano-Structured Electrodes for Next-Generation Lithium-Ion Ultra-Capacitors

Altair Nanomaterials Inc, Reno NV

Investigators

Abstract

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses the key technical challenge for realizing the substantial improvements in high storage capacity, high charge-discharge rates promised by the next generation of nanomaterial-based lithium-ion electrodes in supercapacitor configurations. The innovative approach proposed uses mono-disperse nano-sized particles of lithium titanate spinel (anode), individually coated with a structured carbon overlayer, and compacted into appropriate structures for performance testing in a thin-film hybrid superconductor prototype. The proposed design should provide dramatically enhanced access to lithium ion and electrical connectivity involving the entire assembly of nanomaterials. Industry estimates the value of the primary battery markets over $13 billion, secondary battery markets for electronics applications , toys and games, and telephones around $2 billion; while NiMH cell sales are slowly falling ($1.5 billion), lithium-ion cells are holding steady at $2 billion. Success here will provide a breakthrough in performance for cost effective electrode materials that will stimulate significant growth in the commercial lithium-ion power device markets.