Next Generation Li-ion batteries from A123 Systems

A123 systems’s has claimed to produce next generation Li-ion batteries. These are high power batteries based on highly active nanoscale materials that is as per their claim is inexpensive, nontoxic, and extremely stable in electrochemical systems. A123Systems’ high power chemistry is based on proprietary compositions with much higher charge and discharge rates.

To be specific about the technology behind this breakthrough company website states that

Li Ion technology uses active materials with particles that range in size between 5 and 20 microns. These large particles are required to minimize safety risks inherent to first-generation Li Ion chemistries. A123 high power batteries are based on a safe and stable active material that can use particle sizes below 100nm without adverse reaction. This new storage electrode enables much faster kinetics providing higher power than is possible from any other Li Ion chemistry. Furthermore, to take advantage of the power delivered by this new chemistry, A123 has developed novel electrode and cell designs that provide the lowest impedance of any battery of its size, and a new electrolyte system that operates over a much wider temperature range. This new stable cell chemistry is environmentally friendly and inherently safe…

Their claims seems to be substantiated with the partnerships they have formed with the big names in the industry like General Motors, General Electrics, USABC and COBASYS for batteries powering hybrid electric vehicles.

These batteries are having over 100c pulse discharge rates with 5 minutes recharge, higher cycle life and temperature performance. They are intrinsically safe by design and environ friendly also.