PSE Success Story

Several Companies License Argonne’s Advanced Battery Technology

Argonne has licensed its groundbreaking battery cathode technology to five companies — General Motors Co., LG Chem, Ltd., BASF, Envia Systems and Toda Kyogo. The Argonne-developed technology offers the longest-lasting energy available in the smallest, lightest package: a 50-100 percent increase in energy storage capacity over conventional cathode material. Further, its unique lithium- and manganese-rich mixed metal oxide combination extends the operating time between charges, increases the calendar life and improves the inherent safety of lithium-ion cells.

The 2011 Chevrolet Volt’s lithium-ion battery contains cathode technology developed at Argonne. (Image courtesy of General Motors)

"The goal of Argonne’s battery research is to support the U.S. automobile industry,” said Jeff Chamberlain, who heads Argonne’s battery research and development. "The transfer of this technology is a powerful example of how basic research and technology development performed at a DOE national laboratory can produce technology that is useful to U.S. citizens. The added benefits of this endeavor are the potential creation of U.S.-based green jobs, lessening U.S. dependence on foreign sources of oil and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions."

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• Poster: Several Companies License Argonne’s Advanced Battery Technology (1.68 MB pdf)

May 2011