General Motors may have a significant leg-up on the competition after it reached a non-exclusive agreement with the US Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory to use Argonne’s patented composite cathode material for advanced lithium-ion batteries.
The structure includes a unique combination of lithium- and manganese-rich mixed metal oxides to extend the operating times between charges while increasing the calendar life of batteries. It is also said to improve the safety of lithium-ion cells and allow charging at higher cell voltages, which means there is a higher energy storage capacity compared to current materials. The gravimetric energy storage capacity increased by 50-100 per cent compared to conventional cathode material.
According to John Lauckner, the president of GM ventures, the Argonne license will allow GM to work on next-generation battery systems while reducing cost and performance. He believes it is the most capable cathode they have seen and that it is critical to get it on the road.
In addition, Argonne has licensed the cathode technology to LG Chem for use in battery cells with the license allowing the battery maker to sell to other manufacturers as well as providing cells for GM.
