Researchers at the United States Oak Ridge National Laboratory have made a discovery that could increase power, energy density and safety of lithium ion batteries, while also dramatically reducing charge time. The research team found that titanium dioxide, in a novel architecture named mesoporous TiO2-B microspheres, which features channels and pores that allow an unimpeded flow of ions, creates a highly desirable material that increases surface area, and results in a fast charge-discharge capability for lithium ion batteries. Hansan Liu, with the lab’s Chemical Sciences Division, said, “We can charge our battery to 50 percent of full capacity in six minutes while the traditional graphite-based lithium ion battery would be just 10 percent charged at the same current.” The new material is also a safe and long-lasting alternative to commercial graphite, meaning it would be well suited for hybrid electric vehicles and other high-power applications. It also has potential for applications in stationary energy storage systems for solar and wind power, and for smart grids. The team’s findings were recently published in the journal Advanced Materials.
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