'It was a success' - novel electrode developed by EU project partners
A European project funded under the Brite-EuRam programme of the European Commission's Fourth Framework programme has succeeded in developing an improved capacity and high power positive electrode for alkaline batteries. The new electrode is based on a new type of nickel hydroxide, and is intended for Ni-MH batteries for hybrid vehicles. The high temperature at which the electrode can operate and the cycle life of the electrode make this an extremely innovative project, project coordinator Dr Maria-Luisa Soria told CORDIS News. 'For us it was a success,' said Dr Soria. 'Our starting point was that we had no such technology, and we have been able to develop prototypes. If some customers are interested in the technology, we will be able to offer them it, and when we started, we couldn't,' she said. The product has yet to be participated to manufacturers, but Dr Soria is confident that it will be well received, not only as a component for electric and hybrid vehicles, but also for dual voltage 14V or 42V powernet systems. Success is due in part to the pan-European nature of the project, which allowed coordination with both other projects and experts, said Dr Soria. 'It was interesting to be able to participate in such a European programme because we could work together with experts from other countries. Normally in different countries it's not possible to achieve the experience for such a project.'