Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd. has officially introduced a new cathode material for lithium iron phosphate rechargeable batteries. The material offers high voltage that could only be achieved by cobalt-based materials. Presently, the rare metal Cobalt is a component of cathodes in high capacity and high voltage lithium rechargeable batteries for electric vehicles (EVs) and home storage batteries. Since these devices are enjoying a huge demand, the cobalt is feared to become rare in the future.
It may also cause a significant increase in the cost leading to the replacement of cobalt by cheap iron which is easily available; although iron is not suitable to offer the voltage as compared to that rendered by cobalt-based materials.
Crystal structure of the new material (Image Courtesy: Fujitsu)
With the development of a new material, Fujitsu has devised a new way of improving the voltage of iron-based materials. By using a proprietary materials design technology which precisely controls the composition of raw materials and the formation process, the company has synthesized lithium iron pyrophosphate (Li5. 33Fe5.33(P207)4).
Key Features of the technology
• Fujitsu has determined new factors in improving the voltage of iron-based cathode materials by analyzing the connection between the crystal structure of a material and its electromechanical characteristics.
• Apart from synthesizing lithium iron pyrophosphate (Li5.33Fe5.33(P2O7)4), Fujitsu has created a coin-shaped prototype battery. Based on the electromechanical evaluation, it was confirmed to achieve 3.8 V of voltage.
• The charge capacity of the prototype coin battery is about 105 m Ah/g that accounts for approximately 75% of the theoretical value of 139 mAh/g (Li5.33Fe5.33(P2O7)4), or the actual value of 137 mAh/g (LiCoO2).
Voltage and discharge depth of the prototype coin battery (Image Courtesy: Fujitsu)
About Fujitsu
Fujitsu is the leading Japanese information and communication technology (ICT) company offering a full range of technology products, solutions, and services. Approximately 155,000 Fujitsu people support customers in more than 100 countries. We use our experience and the power of ICT to shape the future of society with our customers.
About Fujitsu Laboratories
Founded in 1968 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Fujitsu Limited, Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd. is one of the premier research centers in the world. With a global network of laboratories in Japan, China, the United States and Europe, the organization conducts a wide range of basic and applied research in the areas of Next-generation Services, Computer Servers, Networks, Electronic Devices and Advanced Materials.
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