TIAX Licenses High-Performance Cathode Material to CVRD Inco for Portable Power Applications
TIAX, a technology processingSM company and leader in clean energy, chemicals, and appliance technologies, announced that it has granted an exclusive license covering its high-energy cathode material to CVRD Inco Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Companhia Vale do Rio Doce, for use in portable power applications. The TIAX cathode is a lithium-nickel material that is claimed to achieve 40% higher capacity than the current industry standard cathode material used in lithium-ion batteries. TIAX claims that it has manipulated the crystal structure of lithium-nickel to deliver superior capacity, excellent safety, long cycle life, and high performance over a broad range of power and temperature.
"This agreement with CVRD Inco is the result of a major technology development effort at TIAX and a significant contract for our company," said TIAX CEO and founder, Kenan Sahin. "Consumer demand for smaller and lighter portable products has created a clear need for improved batteries, and CVRD Inco, with its well deserved reputation in the battery industry, is a great partner to help bring this technology to market."
The TIAX lithium-nickel cathode material is said to represent a critical breakthrough in battery technology. The nickelate class of lithium-ion materials has long held the promise of significant benefits in energy and power, but until now, the associated safety risks have made these materials inappropriate for consumer applications.
During a multi-year, multi-million dollar development effort, TIAX adapted quantum mechanical modeling techniques to stabilize the lithium-nickel crystal structure. As a result, the TIAX cathode material is said to have an excellent safety profile, making it possible for consumers to access the performance benefits of this class of materials for the first time.
The specific terms of the agreement were not made public. TIAX will continue to work closely with CVRD Inco to support its product development activities. TIAX will also continue development of next-generation nickel-class cathode materials. In addition to portable applications, TIAX has adapted its material for implementation in the hybrid electric vehicle market. TIAX has begun marketing licenses to its material for automotive applications.
