In hot pursuit of high-performance batteries
Batteries need not only be better performing, they are also required to be lighter, less polluting and even smaller. To this effect, the 'Materials for high energy accumulators in traction and tools' (Maheatt) project had radical ideas in mind with a number of research focuses. The primary focus was on highly improved cathode materials that exhibited optimal kinetics and stability through their nano-structuring of electroactive materials (EAMs). Cathode materials are currently the limiting factor for charge capacity of lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. Therefore, improving charging capacity required a parallel investigation into better transport properties of materials, in particular for categories with low conductivities. These studies complemented the search for novel high potent cathode materials with high capacities. The project had eight various work packages that covered a wide range of research and development areas. These ranged from electrode materials, EAM coatings focusing on flexible conducting porous material to benchmarking novel materials and a demonstrator for heavy tools. Overall, the project met with success. Materials that Maheatt developed have exhibited excellent potential with respect to enhanced energy capacities. A number of patent applications were submitted relating to EAMs and synthesis approaches. The potential for commercialisation remains large and the consortium involved in Maheatt will continue research into Li-ion batteries and carry European industrial development with them.
