News

QuantumSphere Acquires Energetics Inc. To Broaden Portable Power & Clean Energy Portfolio

June 25, 2008 by Jeff Shepard

QuantumSphere, Inc., a developer of advanced catalyst materials, electrode devices, and related technologies and systems for portable power and clean-energy applications, announced the acquisition of Energetics Inc., to advance research and development of lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries, fuel cells, hydrogen production, and bio fuel applications.

Founded in 2001, Energetics Inc. has focused on advanced energy technologies, primarily in the areas of next-generation lithium ion batteries, fuel cells for portable power, hydrogen and syngas production from biomass, and hydrogen purification and reforming technologies. The company’s founder and Chief Executive, Subramanian Iyer, will serve as Principal Technologist for QuantumSphere and will leverage more than 30 years of experience in technology advances for metallurgy, batteries, fuel cells and renewable energy technologies.

"Batteries are struggling to keep up with consumer energy and power demands, and my team members and I are focused on game-changing increases in rechargeable Li-ion battery capacity and power density to directly address this issue," Iyer said. "Leveraging QuantumSphere’s existing infrastructure, scientific team and commercial relationships will allow us to accelerate development and commercialization of key portable power and clean energy technologies quickly and cost-effectively."

Iyer’s research has focused on alkaline polymeric membrane fuel cells, regenerative fuel cells and high-temperature fuel cells for internally-reformed hydrocarbons, in addition to rechargeable lithium ion batteries. Iyer has secured grants for his research from the National Science Foundation, U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Navy, as well as the Energy Innovations Small Grants Program of the California Energy Commission and the San Diego based Center for Commercialization of Advanced Technologies. Before founding Energetics Inc., Iyer was a team leader for metallurgy, welding, corrosion and non-destructive testing for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. He also spent 3 years at General Electric as an aircraft engineer, in addition to 12 years in India in the metallurgical and aircraft engine sectors.

"The acquisition of Energetics Incorporated will significantly expand QuantumSphere’s IP portfolio and provide us with the ability to develop a wide range of products in the portable power and clean energy arenas," said Kevin Maloney, President and CEO of QuantumSphere, Inc. "As we continue to execute on our focused plan to deliver improved electrodes for disposable batteries, hydrogen production, develop better and less expensive fuel cell components, and build next generation high capacity lithium ion battery systems, we believe these commercially viable solutions will help lower our dependency on fossil fuels in a variety of industrial and transportation applications. We welcome Subra Iyer and his team to QuantumSphere and look forward to advancing our common goals in building a profitable company and a more sustainable clean energy economy."