We all understand that Li-ion batteries based on the LiFePO4 active material offer outstanding cycle life and beneficial safety properties. So what has been holding it back?
One of the major obstacles to the major commercial roll-out of LiFePO4 Li-ion batteries is the cost of the active material itself. In terms of $/kWh (i.e. the cost per energy unit) the lithium iron phosphate is relatively expensive when compared directly to traditional layered oxide materials such as LiCoO2, NCA and NMC. But why is this? Surely the nature and availability of the constituent elements would mean that LiFePO4 should be really inexpensive. That statement is basically true, but the preparation methods used commercially - often complicated and multi-step - mean that the overall manufacturing cost of the LiFePO4 is actually very high, typically around $20/kg. That's not good.
What the industry really needs is a ultra low cost manufacturing method that is easily scalable. Perhaps approaching <$10/kg. That would really make a substantial difference.
So what can one do? During the development of its proprietary Na-ion technology, Faradion Limited has also discovered some ultra low cost methods of preparation for LiFePO4 (as well as other polyanion based active materials). We anticipate that the LiFePO4 made this way will be substantially cheaper that any other currently-available commercial approach.
For more information about our LiFePO4 synthesis method please refer to our website:
www.faradion.co.uk
or directly from me:
jerry.barker@faradion.co.uk
Monday, 6 October 2014
I'm Back!!
Hiya everyone.....my apologies for failing to update my blog regularly, but after a long delay I am back. For the last 3 years I have been working as the co-founder and CTO of Faradion Limited, a UK-based start-up company promoting a new Na-ion battery technology. As you will probably know I have been researching Na-ion technology for many years now and have maintained that this cell chemistry is the logical and sustainable replacement for Li-ion batteries in a number of low cost applications.
More information about Faradion may be found at our website:
www.faradion.co.uk
or directly from me:
jerry.barker@faradion.co.uk
More information about Faradion may be found at our website:
www.faradion.co.uk
or directly from me:
jerry.barker@faradion.co.uk
Sunday, 20 November 2011
Faradion Limited...JB Appointed CTO
Just to let everyone know.....I was recently appointed CTO of Faradion Limited. I will take on this role while also maintaining my independent energy storage consultancy (www.jerrybarker.co.uk). Should be a busy time!!
Faradion is a high-tech start-up company based in the UK which is engaged in the development of next generation energy storage devices. The Faradion HQ is located in Sheffield, Yorkshire. The company will target the consumer, automotive and utility markets. The technical objectives will not follow the well-trodden Li-ion path, but will be investigating new, non-lithium based battery opportunities.
Additional information about Faradion may be found at the company website:
Faradion Limited website
Exciting times lie ahead for the team.
Jerry
Faradion is a high-tech start-up company based in the UK which is engaged in the development of next generation energy storage devices. The Faradion HQ is located in Sheffield, Yorkshire. The company will target the consumer, automotive and utility markets. The technical objectives will not follow the well-trodden Li-ion path, but will be investigating new, non-lithium based battery opportunities.
Additional information about Faradion may be found at the company website:
Faradion Limited website
Exciting times lie ahead for the team.
Jerry
IBA - Technology Award 2012
Great News and a Big Surprise!!
The International Battery Materials Association (IBA) has decided to award me the Technology Award for 2012. Apparently the award is granted for "contributions made to identifying new secondary battery cathode materials and related materials research field, which has been recognized internationally".
Many thanks to the board of the IBA for the award ....which, as I say, was a complete surprise. The list of previous winners is extremely impressive, so I am more then happy to be included.
Jerry
The International Battery Materials Association (IBA) has decided to award me the Technology Award for 2012. Apparently the award is granted for "contributions made to identifying new secondary battery cathode materials and related materials research field, which has been recognized internationally".
Many thanks to the board of the IBA for the award ....which, as I say, was a complete surprise. The list of previous winners is extremely impressive, so I am more then happy to be included.
Jerry
Friday, 15 April 2011
Phostech Lithium Inc. appeals LiFePO4 Carbothermal Reduction Decision
Further to the news below regarding the LiFePO4 carbothermal reduction litigation case involving Valence Technology Inc. and Phostech Lithium Inc., Phostech has decided to appeal the decision.
The latest Phostech press release may be found here:
Phostech Press Release
Based on this appeal, Phostech has resumed the production and sale of its P1 grade LiFePO4 material.
Jerry
The latest Phostech press release may be found here:
Phostech Press Release
Based on this appeal, Phostech has resumed the production and sale of its P1 grade LiFePO4 material.
Jerry
Sunday, 20 February 2011
Valence Technology wins Carbothermal Reduction Patent Infringement Lawsuit
Valence Technology Inc. has won its Canadian patent infringement lawsuit (Tuesday February 17, 2011) regarding its proprietary carbothermal reduction technology (CTR), which Valences uses to make lithium iron (magnesium) phosphate as well as other lithium-based active materials for Li-ion batteries. The Canadian patent in question is number 2,395,115. The link to this patent may be found here:
Canadian Patent 2,395,115 (Inventors: J. Barker et al.)
The lawsuit was filed against Phostech Lithium Inc. and the judgment entitles Valence to an injunction, an election of either an accounting of profits or damages, reasonable compensation and costs. The Valence press release for this announcement may be found here:
Valence Technology Victorious in Patent Infringement Lawsuit
The CTR invention was invented and developed by Jerry Barker and co-workers as the most economical process for the manufacturing of lithium metal phosphates for battery applications. Valence has been using this technology for several years to make its lithium iron magnesium phosphate material.
Interestingly, the Phostech PR team have been working overtime to put the best spin on the announcement:
Phostech Lithium Inc. Press Release
In summary, however this judgement must be seen as a serious blow to both Phostech Lithium and its parent company, Sud-Chemie. More information on the judgement from the website, Green Car Congress, may be found here:
Green Car Congress: Valence wins Patent Infringement Lawsuit
Jerry
Canadian Patent 2,395,115 (Inventors: J. Barker et al.)
The lawsuit was filed against Phostech Lithium Inc. and the judgment entitles Valence to an injunction, an election of either an accounting of profits or damages, reasonable compensation and costs. The Valence press release for this announcement may be found here:
Valence Technology Victorious in Patent Infringement Lawsuit
The CTR invention was invented and developed by Jerry Barker and co-workers as the most economical process for the manufacturing of lithium metal phosphates for battery applications. Valence has been using this technology for several years to make its lithium iron magnesium phosphate material.
Interestingly, the Phostech PR team have been working overtime to put the best spin on the announcement:
Phostech Lithium Inc. Press Release
In summary, however this judgement must be seen as a serious blow to both Phostech Lithium and its parent company, Sud-Chemie. More information on the judgement from the website, Green Car Congress, may be found here:
Green Car Congress: Valence wins Patent Infringement Lawsuit
Jerry
Thursday, 13 January 2011
Vanadium-based Li-ion Batteries
If you spend any significant amount of time reviewing the scientific literature concerning new active materials for Li-ion batteries, you quickly notice something rather interesting…..the number of vanadium containing phases appears extremely high. Was is this? Why is vanadium such a useful transition metal in these materials? Here is my short summary:
1. Atomic Mass. Vanadium is a first row transition metal, meaning that it has relatively low atomic mass (50.94). It follows that, all things being equal, active materials containing V should have relatively low formula mass, resulting in a high theoretical specific capacity (mAh/g).
2. Voltage Range. The operating voltage of vanadium-containing phases is typically in the range 3.0 -4.5 V vs. lithium. Why is this voltage range so important? For at least three good reasons: (i) the higher the operating voltage the higher the specific energy, Wh/kg (which is the product of the specific capacity and the operating voltage). High Specfic Energy is what us battery scientists are striving to achieve; (ii) If the operating voltage is too low (typically < 3.0 V vs. Li) the active material will be air/moisture sensitive, which creates problems during cell manufacture; (iii) Above 4.5 V and we run into stability issues with the electrolyte. Simply stated, the operating voltage is just too oxidative for most common, non-aqueous electrolyte solvents.
3. Multiple Oxidation States. Vanadium has 5 stable oxidation states: 0 (metal), +2, +3, +4 and +5. Why is this important? It means that in active materials containing one vanadium ion we have the possibility of reversibly cycling more than 1 lithium (or sodium) ion per formula unit. This means we can expect very high specific capacities. With most other transition metals this is not the case.
4. Energy Levels. The energy levels of the common vanadium oxidation states, viz. +3, +4 and +5, are quite close. This means that while accessing these oxidation states during the charge and discharge of a Li-ion cell there are not large steps (fluctuation) in the operating voltage. Why is this important? Well battery designers are not too keen on voltage excursions or steps during the normal operation of the Li-ion cell since this causes major complications in the control electronics.
5. Inexpensive. Compared to many other transition metals, vanadium is actually relatively cheap and abundant. It is not as inexpensive as Fe and Mn, but it is significantly cheaper than either Co or Ni. Vanadium is currently mined in Australia, China, South Africa and Russia. New mines are coming on stream all the time – typically to satisfy the growing demand in the steel industry – but this also means there should be plenty for the battery market.
6. Polyanions. Vanadium is particularly suitable for incorporation into polyanion phases (sulfates, phosphates etc). Polyanion phases are expected to become the next generation of Li-ion active materials offering high specific energy, excellent safety performance and good cycling stability.
7. Redox Batteries. Vanadium finds application in Vanadium Redox flow Batteries (VRB), which also take advantage of the multiple V oxidation states.
So there are many reasons to think positively about the future of vanadium in Li-ion (or Na-ion) battery applications. I have worked on a number of these materials myself……for example, Li3V2(PO4)3, LiVPO4F, LiVOPO4, LiVP2O7, Na3V2(PO4)2F, LiV2O5 etc.
In my opinion, the (battery) future looks bright….the future looks like Vanadium.
Jerry
1. Atomic Mass. Vanadium is a first row transition metal, meaning that it has relatively low atomic mass (50.94). It follows that, all things being equal, active materials containing V should have relatively low formula mass, resulting in a high theoretical specific capacity (mAh/g).
2. Voltage Range. The operating voltage of vanadium-containing phases is typically in the range 3.0 -4.5 V vs. lithium. Why is this voltage range so important? For at least three good reasons: (i) the higher the operating voltage the higher the specific energy, Wh/kg (which is the product of the specific capacity and the operating voltage). High Specfic Energy is what us battery scientists are striving to achieve; (ii) If the operating voltage is too low (typically < 3.0 V vs. Li) the active material will be air/moisture sensitive, which creates problems during cell manufacture; (iii) Above 4.5 V and we run into stability issues with the electrolyte. Simply stated, the operating voltage is just too oxidative for most common, non-aqueous electrolyte solvents.
3. Multiple Oxidation States. Vanadium has 5 stable oxidation states: 0 (metal), +2, +3, +4 and +5. Why is this important? It means that in active materials containing one vanadium ion we have the possibility of reversibly cycling more than 1 lithium (or sodium) ion per formula unit. This means we can expect very high specific capacities. With most other transition metals this is not the case.
4. Energy Levels. The energy levels of the common vanadium oxidation states, viz. +3, +4 and +5, are quite close. This means that while accessing these oxidation states during the charge and discharge of a Li-ion cell there are not large steps (fluctuation) in the operating voltage. Why is this important? Well battery designers are not too keen on voltage excursions or steps during the normal operation of the Li-ion cell since this causes major complications in the control electronics.
5. Inexpensive. Compared to many other transition metals, vanadium is actually relatively cheap and abundant. It is not as inexpensive as Fe and Mn, but it is significantly cheaper than either Co or Ni. Vanadium is currently mined in Australia, China, South Africa and Russia. New mines are coming on stream all the time – typically to satisfy the growing demand in the steel industry – but this also means there should be plenty for the battery market.
6. Polyanions. Vanadium is particularly suitable for incorporation into polyanion phases (sulfates, phosphates etc). Polyanion phases are expected to become the next generation of Li-ion active materials offering high specific energy, excellent safety performance and good cycling stability.
7. Redox Batteries. Vanadium finds application in Vanadium Redox flow Batteries (VRB), which also take advantage of the multiple V oxidation states.
So there are many reasons to think positively about the future of vanadium in Li-ion (or Na-ion) battery applications. I have worked on a number of these materials myself……for example, Li3V2(PO4)3, LiVPO4F, LiVOPO4, LiVP2O7, Na3V2(PO4)2F, LiV2O5 etc.
In my opinion, the (battery) future looks bright….the future looks like Vanadium.
Jerry
Monday, 29 November 2010
Symmetrical Li-ion Cells based on LiVPO4F
The fabrication and electrochemical properties of novel LiVPO4F//LiVPO4F symmetrical Li-ion cells were described in a paper in ESSL by my group in 2005. A link to the abstract may be found here:
A Symmetrical Lithium-ion Cell based on LiVPO4F
This preliminary work indicated that the fluorophosphate may function successfully as both the positive and negative electrode material in high rate Li-ion cells. At the positive electrode the LiVPO4F uses the V3+/V4+ redox transition while at the negative pole the V3+/V2+ redox couple is operational. Advantageously, the reversible specific capacity for these two reactions is roughly equivalent meaning that the same electrode coating can be used for both electrodes. This simplifies the overall manufacturing process and consequently makes a big difference to the production costs.
Recent work by Okada and co-workers has extended this approach to study the LiVPO4F//LiVPO4F system using an Ionic Liquid electrolyte. This new investigation confirms that the symmetrical cell design demonstrates good rate, safety and cycling performance. The abstract to this work may be found here:
Symmetric Li-ion cell based on LiVPO4F with Ionic Liquid Electrolyte
In summary, the excellent lithium insertion properties of the LiVPO4F active material have again been clearly demonstrated.
Jerry
A Symmetrical Lithium-ion Cell based on LiVPO4F
This preliminary work indicated that the fluorophosphate may function successfully as both the positive and negative electrode material in high rate Li-ion cells. At the positive electrode the LiVPO4F uses the V3+/V4+ redox transition while at the negative pole the V3+/V2+ redox couple is operational. Advantageously, the reversible specific capacity for these two reactions is roughly equivalent meaning that the same electrode coating can be used for both electrodes. This simplifies the overall manufacturing process and consequently makes a big difference to the production costs.
Recent work by Okada and co-workers has extended this approach to study the LiVPO4F//LiVPO4F system using an Ionic Liquid electrolyte. This new investigation confirms that the symmetrical cell design demonstrates good rate, safety and cycling performance. The abstract to this work may be found here:
Symmetric Li-ion cell based on LiVPO4F with Ionic Liquid Electrolyte
In summary, the excellent lithium insertion properties of the LiVPO4F active material have again been clearly demonstrated.
Jerry
Friday, 22 October 2010
Lithium and Sodium Active Materials
As some of you will know, over the past few years I have been involved in the discovery and development of many new active materials for both lithium and sodium battery applications. I was asked at a meeting recently if I had compiled a list of these inventions. The short answer is "No", but there is a limited summary of some of these materials on my website (www.jerrybarker.co.uk) although this is certainly not an exhaustive list.
So below is a list of the different active materials in which I am the inventor or co-inventor. In each case, I have also included one of the associated US patents, but in most instances there will be multiple issued patents and patent applications and the one shown here may not be the earliest filing. It is simply listed as an example. Please also note that I have probably missed out a few materials, so I will no doubt need to amend this table in the near future (i.e. when my memory is fully functional!).
I have not added hyperlinks to all these patents, so if you need additional information I suggest you use:
Free Patents Online
Anyway, here is the list:
LiFe1-xMxPO4 Substituted Olivines (M = Mg, Ca, Zn etc.) US 6884544
Li3M2(PO4)3 Nasicons (M = Fe, V, Mn etc.) US 5871866
LiMPO4F Fluorophosphates (M = Fe, V, Mn etc.) US 6387568
LiMPO4.OH Hydroxy-phosphates (M = Fe, V, Mn etc.) US 6777132
Li2MP2O7 Dilithium diphosphates (M = Fe, Mn, Co, Ni etc.) US 7008566
Li3M(SO4)3 Lithium sulfates (M = Fe, V, Mn etc.) US 5908716
LiMSO4F Lithium Fluorosulfates (M = Fe, Mn, Co, Ni etc.) US 2005/0163699
NaMSO4F Sodium Fluorosulfates (M = Fe, Mn, Co, Ni etc.) US 2005/0163699
Li2MPO4F Lithium Fluorophosphates (M = Fe, Mn, Co, Ni etc.) US 6890686
Na2MPO4F Sodium Fluorophosphates (M = Fe, Mn, Co, Ni etc.) US 6890686
Li4M2(SiO4)(PO4)2 Silicophosphates (M = Fe, V, Mn etc.) US 6136472
Li3M1.5Al0.5(PO4)3 Substituted Nasicons (M = Fe, V, Mn etc.) US 5871866
β-LiVOPO4 Vanadyl Phosphate US 6645452 (method-of-making)
NaMPO4F Sodium Fluorophosphates (M = Fe, V, Mn etc.) US 6872492
Na3M2(PO4)2F3 Sodium Fluorophosphates (M = Fe, V, Mn etc.) US 6872492
LiMTiO4, LiMZrO4 Titanates, Zirconates (M = Fe, V, Mn etc.) US 6720112
Li2MTiO4, Li2MZrO4 Titanates, Zirconates (M = Fe, Mn, Co, Ni etc.) US 6103419
Li2CuO2 Lithium Copper Oxide US 5670277
LixMoO2 Lithium Molybdenum Oxides US 6908710
LiV2O5 Lithium Vanadium Oxide
Novel Phase A US Pending
Novel Phase B US Pending
Novel Phase C US Pending
Jerry
So below is a list of the different active materials in which I am the inventor or co-inventor. In each case, I have also included one of the associated US patents, but in most instances there will be multiple issued patents and patent applications and the one shown here may not be the earliest filing. It is simply listed as an example. Please also note that I have probably missed out a few materials, so I will no doubt need to amend this table in the near future (i.e. when my memory is fully functional!).
I have not added hyperlinks to all these patents, so if you need additional information I suggest you use:
Free Patents Online
Anyway, here is the list:
LiFe1-xMxPO4 Substituted Olivines (M = Mg, Ca, Zn etc.) US 6884544
Li3M2(PO4)3 Nasicons (M = Fe, V, Mn etc.) US 5871866
LiMPO4F Fluorophosphates (M = Fe, V, Mn etc.) US 6387568
LiMPO4.OH Hydroxy-phosphates (M = Fe, V, Mn etc.) US 6777132
Li2MP2O7 Dilithium diphosphates (M = Fe, Mn, Co, Ni etc.) US 7008566
Li3M(SO4)3 Lithium sulfates (M = Fe, V, Mn etc.) US 5908716
LiMSO4F Lithium Fluorosulfates (M = Fe, Mn, Co, Ni etc.) US 2005/0163699
NaMSO4F Sodium Fluorosulfates (M = Fe, Mn, Co, Ni etc.) US 2005/0163699
Li2MPO4F Lithium Fluorophosphates (M = Fe, Mn, Co, Ni etc.) US 6890686
Na2MPO4F Sodium Fluorophosphates (M = Fe, Mn, Co, Ni etc.) US 6890686
Li4M2(SiO4)(PO4)2 Silicophosphates (M = Fe, V, Mn etc.) US 6136472
Li3M1.5Al0.5(PO4)3 Substituted Nasicons (M = Fe, V, Mn etc.) US 5871866
β-LiVOPO4 Vanadyl Phosphate US 6645452 (method-of-making)
NaMPO4F Sodium Fluorophosphates (M = Fe, V, Mn etc.) US 6872492
Na3M2(PO4)2F3 Sodium Fluorophosphates (M = Fe, V, Mn etc.) US 6872492
LiMTiO4, LiMZrO4 Titanates, Zirconates (M = Fe, V, Mn etc.) US 6720112
Li2MTiO4, Li2MZrO4 Titanates, Zirconates (M = Fe, Mn, Co, Ni etc.) US 6103419
Li2CuO2 Lithium Copper Oxide US 5670277
LixMoO2 Lithium Molybdenum Oxides US 6908710
LiV2O5 Lithium Vanadium Oxide
Novel Phase A US Pending
Novel Phase B US Pending
Novel Phase C US Pending
Jerry
Sunday, 17 October 2010
Faradion - a new Energy Storage Company
A new UK-based energy storage company, Faradion, has been established in Sheffield, Yorkshire. The company is named after chemist and physicist Michael Faraday – who was pivotal in developing the science of electrochemistry – Faradion plans to use a number of technologies which can potentially halve the costs of storing electrical energy.
Jerry
Jerry
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