Vlad Kovalenko + 115 VK April 17, 2018 Now researchers at the University of California – Berkeley have found a way to create disordered cathodes that use metals other than cobalt, such as manganese, in their cathodes. Not only are other metals far less expensive than cobalt, the new cathodes have 50% more capacity. The research has achieved something even more important by opening up new possibilities for cathode design. For electric vehicle advocates, the news means the dream of batteries that cost less and are more environmentally friendly is getting closer to reality. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LAOIL + 33 OS April 17, 2018 This is a great improvement over conventional cathodes in the world of batteries. But not very good news for those who have invested a lot in cobalt assets. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Adam Varga + 123 AV April 17, 2018 And again another new battery technology that is just around the corner. Great news but does anyone know a timetable to commercial availability? And this battery material utilizes Manganese as a cobalt replacement which suffers from many intrinsic drawbacks. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BlackTortoise + 103 CM April 17, 2018 Fundamental research is a long and winding path from commercialisation. It's the way things work. Manganese is what the researchers are starting with but where they wind up is simply unknown and unknowable. The fact that they have opened the door to a whole new area of research is what makes this newsworthy. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stormysaga + 62 AB April 17, 2018 This will probably not result in a cathode breakthrough did give 50% more capacity for half the money. But further research based on these insights will lead to dozens of small improvements of just a few procents. Batteries are difficult to develop and we'll have to wait for this to become a real product. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites