Materials - Safer batteries

Lithium batteries could become less expensive and safer using materials developed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory researchers and Porous Power Technologies LLC. The replacement of polymer separators with lower-cost ceramics and mineral fillers can also improve a battery's thermomechanical properties, making it less likely to overheat or ignite because of shorting. The technology provides enhanced durability, increased reliability and a 7 to 8 percent increase in the battery's long-term cycling performance, according to David Wood III. This breakthrough membrane technology, called SYMMETRIX HPX-F separator, could affect electric vehicles, grid storage applications, portable electronic applications, filters, barrier fabrics, transdermal drug delivery and toxic chemical absorption. [Written by Jennifer Brouner, (865) 241-9515; brounerjm@ornl.gov]