Novel Li-Ion Batteries with Reduced Graphene Oxide-Metal Sulfide Composite

Production process for reduced graphene oxide-metal sulfide composite for Li-ion batteries and Na-ion batteries

Background 

There is a continuous market demand to increase the energy density of Lithium ion batteries (LIB) to meet the increasing power consumption needs. Graphite has been used widely as an anode material in commercial LIB, although its theoretical specific capacity is low.

Our Innovation

This technology proposes a use of a uniform metal sulphide layer deposited on graphene oxide as an anode material for LIB.

Another part of the technology involves use of the above anode material in sodium ion batteries (NIB), an alternative to LIB. Sodium has a lower cost and occurs in abundance compared to lithium. Our results for the composite material as anode material have shown record high capacity and cycle performance for both LIB and NIB.

Potential Applications

Use in batteries for portable electronics, military, electric vehicle and aerospace applications

Customer Benefits

• Excellent capacity, first cycle efficiency and rate performance
• Stability

Technology Features & Specifications

The technology deploys a novel sulfurization and heat treatment step. This process allows a uniform active layer to be deposited on the graphene template, which improves their connectivity. This also improves the uniform reaction with lithium ions.

Market Trends and Opportunities

• The LIB market is expected to grow tremendously in automobile, industrial and especially in consumer device applications.
• NIB, a cheaper alternative to LIB, is currently still in developmental stage. However, research is actively been carried out to determine the optimum anode and cathode material.     

Patent Status

Granted US 9,755,227.