February 22, 2024
South 8 Demonstrates Lithium Nickel Manganese Oxide (LNMO) Battery Electrolyte. South 8 Technologies (“South 8”), the developer of LiGas®, liquefied gas electrolyte for advanced lithium-ion batteries, has demonstrated high performance on cobalt-free, low nickel, and high-energy battery cells designed for next generation electric vehicles (EV). This work is supported by funding from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) through the EVs for American Low-carbon Living (EVs4ALL) program. An automotive OEM is South 8’s partner in this project. The goal of the EVs4ALL program is to develop a reliable, inexpensive battery that can charge fast, and provide improved performance and range retention in cold weather compared to state-of-the-art commercial options. One program outcome is to grow EV market share by developing next-generation battery technologies that significantly improve electric vehicle affordability, convenience, reliability, and safety. In the first six months of the three-year effort, South 8 demonstrated world-class performance on 18650 lithium-ion batteries. Specifically, LiGas electrolyte demonstrated full compatibility with a 4.6 volt commercial LNMO cathode. Energy retention at -20°C (-4°F) was measured at 96%. This compares to less than 5% retention for standard liquid LNMO electrolyte at the same temperature. Further LiGas electrolyte testing demonstrated 87% energy retention at -40°C (-40°F). Cyrus Rustomji, Chief Science Officer of South 8, said: LNMO is a future cathode material, promising the safety of LFP (lithium iron phosphate) and energy of NMC (nickel manganese cobalt). “The challenge has been the electrolyte: conventional solutions break down at LNMO’s high voltage. LiGas does not. LiGas gives excellent low temperature performance and greatly reduces thermal propagation. As we continue our collaboration with ARPA-E and our automotive partner we aim to meet additional program requirements including fast charge and longevity.” Evelyn N. Wang, Director of ARPA-E, said: ARPA-E’s EVs4ALL program is an integral part of the Agency’s strong battery portfolio and efforts to develop next-generation battery technologies. “Technologies that lead to faster charging, better performance in freezing temperatures and overall range retention support larger desired outcomes related to national security, environmental well-being, and our economy.” READ the latest Batteries News shaping the battery market South 8 Demonstrates Lithium Nickel Manganese Oxide (LNMO) Battery Electrolyte. source Battery Development