3d nanostructure for battery cathodes

[lfairban]

"Researchers at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign have developed a 3d nanostructure for battery cathodes that permits far faster charging and discharging without sacrificing energy storage capacity. "

<snip>

"Braun’s group have demonstrated battery electrodes that can charge or discharge in a few seconds, up to 100 times faster than equivalent bulk electrodes, yet can perform normally in existing devices. "


http://www.energymatters.com.au/index.php?main_page=news_article&article_id=1413

 

[Lock]

Nice one... source article here:
http://news.illinois.edu/news/11/0321batteries_PaulBraun.html

All of the processes the group used are also used at large scales in industry so the technique could be scaled up for manufacturing.

The key to the group’s novel 3-D structure is self-assembly. They begin by coating a surface with tiny spheres, packing them tightly together to form a lattice. Trying to create such a uniform lattice by other means is time-consuming and impractical, but the inexpensive spheres settle into place automatically.

Then the researchers fill the space between and around the spheres with metal. The spheres are melted or dissolved, leaving a porous 3-D metal scaffolding, like a sponge. Then a process called electropolishing uniformly etches away the surface of the scaffold to enlarge the pores and make an open framework. Finally, the researchers coat the frame with a thin film of the active material.

The result is a bicontinuous electrode structure with small interconnects, so the lithium ions can move rapidly; a thin-film active material, so the diffusion kinetics are rapid; and a metal framework with good electrical conductivity.

The group demonstrated both NiMH and Li-ion batteries, but the structure is general, so any battery material that can be deposited on the metal frame could be used.

Go Team! I predict many more pictures of burnt fingers on ES

LocK