Singaporean, Canadian researchers make breakthrough in rechargeable batteries

Researchers from Singapore and Canada have made a breakthrough in a new lithium-ion battery technology that could more than double the energy capacity of conventional lithium-ion batteries, the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) said here in Singapore on Wednesday.

The breakthrough, which synthesized silicate-based nanoboxes as compared to conventional phosphate-based cathodes, could hold the key to longer-lasting rechargeable batteries for electric vehicles and mobile devices, A*STAR's Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN) said.

Lithium-ion batteries are widely used to power many electronic devices, including smart phones, medical devices and electric vehicles. Their high energy density, durability and lightness make them a popular choice for energy storage.

"IBN researchers have successfully achieved simultaneous control of the phase purity and nanostructure of Li2MnSiO4 for the first time," said Professor Jackie Y. Ying, IBN executive director. "This novel synthetic approach would allow us to move closer to attaining the ultrahigh theoretical capacity of silicate-based cathodes for battery applications."

The research collaboration between IBN and Quebec's Hydro- Quebec's Research Institute was established in 2011. The researchers plan to further enhance their new cathode materials to create high-capacity lithium-ion batteries for commercialization. Endi