Disordering Cathodes Eliminates The Need For Cobalt In Lithium-Ion Batteries

[Vlad Kovalenko + 115]

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.

[LAOIL + 33]

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. 

[Adam Varga + 123]

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. 

[BlackTortoise + 103]

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.
 

[Stormysaga + 62]

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.