ADA will leverage its ongoing work in the development of carbon nano tube-based electrodes for lithium-ion battery applications in the hybrid electric vehicle market. Research under the Air Force contract will focus on development and characterization of lithium-ion battery systems for optimal cycle life.
Li-ion batteries are the new industry standard for use as rechargeable batteries in space vehicles. Although substantial advancements have been made in the batteries over the past ten years, important limitations still exist including those related to cycle life and storage life, the company said.
ADA’s energy storage research program began in 2005 and till date has received nearly $2m in research and early stage product development funding.
Wen Lu, team leader for energy storage at ADA, said: “ADA’s initial focus is on assessing the feasibility of several emerging battery nanomaterial technologies to optimize Li-ion battery cycle life.
“The overall objective of the two-phase project is improved energy and power densities, wider operation temperature ranges and inherently safer operation, as well as improved storage and cycle life when compared to current Li-ion batteries.”
