Degussa AG of Dusseldorf, Germany, is developing new materials for lithium-ion batteries that make possible a new generation of starter batteries weighing just 2.5 kg. The new battery is now being used in a Lotus racing car.
At the heart of the battery is SEPARION, a separator that consists of an ultra-thin ceramic composite material. Efficient and safe electrodes and electrolyte additives from Degussa are also used. These materials make lithium-ion cells more powerful and safer. The cells have successfully passed overcharge and nail penetration tests, in which a nail is driven through the battery. When conventional separator materials were used, smoke developed and in some cases, fire broke out.
“This lithium-ion technology will be used in the future also for energy storage in hybrid vehicles,” said Sven Augustin, who is responsible for automotive marketing at Degussa.