Graphene battery electrodes enable fast recharging

16 July 2010

The new electrodes could enable electronic devices and power tools that use batteries to recharge in minutes rather than hours, or function as part of a hybrid battery system to extend the range of electric vehicles.

The engineers at PNNL, in collaboration with Prof Ilhan Aksay at Princeton University, have demonstrated that small quantities of high-quality graphene can dramatically improve the power and cycling stability of Li-ion batteries, while maintaining high energy-storage capacities.

PNNL and Princeton’s work in the field of graphene-based battery electrodes, together with Vorbeck’s expertise in the production and application of high-quality graphene, will now enable the rapid commercialisation of the energy storage technology.

Vorbeck is already working with materials distribution and supply company Targray Technology International to bring novel battery electrode materials to market.

John Lettow, president of Vorbeck Materials, said: ’We are excited to be working with the talented team at PNNL and to add battery electrode materials to our list of graphene-based products.’

Vorbeck Materials was established in 2006 to manufacture and develop applications using Vor-x, Vorbeck’s patented graphene material, which was developed at Princeton University.