Battery Materials Development
Aegis Battery specializes in developing nanotechnology-based new generation of nanotechnology-based electrode materials including new compositions, new particle morphologies, new process development, Process scale-up, and Modify existing materials (particle size, morphology, tap density, & surface area). We produce battery materials through our scalable and economical solid state synthesis process, which is adaptable to different materials compositions and particle morphologies, with a focus on anode and cathode materials.
Anode materials are the negative electrode in lithium-ion batteries and are paired with cathode materials in a lithium-ion cell. The anode materials in lithium-ion cells act as the host where they reversibly allow lithium-ion intercalation/deintercallation in the course of charge/discharge cycles. General criteria for selection of suitable intercalation-based anode materials include (1) low first cycle irreversible loss, (2) high coulombic efficiency, (3) fast lithium-ion diffusion into and out of the anode, (4) high ionic and electronic conductivity, (5) minimum structural changes upon charge and discharge, (6) high specific capacity (mAh/g), and (7) the ability to form and maintain a stable SEI (Solid Electrolyte Interface) layer upon cycling. In addition to standard anode materials, we can also provide customized anode materials based on the customer’s needs including Lithium Titanium Oxide (LTO,Li4Ti5O12) that is an electrode material with exceptional electrochemical stability, often used as the anode in lithium-ion batteries for applications that require high rate, long cycle life, and high efficiency. LTO-based batteries are considered safer and have a wider operating temperature range.
Cathode materials are the main component of Li-ion batteries, primarily determining the energy density of a cell. Li-ion cells are based on intercalation/deintercallation compounds, where lithium ions provided by the cathode are inserted into the host lattice (anode) during charge and extracted during discharge, with certain structural change in the host material. The selection of a cathode material of particular chemistry depends on various factors, including cell voltage, capacity, energy and power capabilities, cycle life, and temperature of operation. Aegis provides a variety of cathode materials that are suitable for a wide range of applications, including Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminum Oxide (NCA, for instance with the composition of LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2) that provides higher capacity than LiCoO2. NCA-based batteries are most suited for use in moderate rate applications that require high energy density. Another one is Lithium Manganese Nickel Oxide (LMNO with a composition of LiMn1.5Ni0.5O4) that can be charged at high voltage (5V) and thus provide a higher energy density compared to lithium cobalt oxide and lithium iron phosphate. LMNO-based batteries can be used in high energy and high rate applications.