Zinc Matrix Power Unveils Silver-Zinc Rechargeable Battery Technology
Zinc Matrix Power Inc. is proposing that its new battery technology has certain advantages over traditional lithium-ion batteries. "First of all, the inherent chemistry of our batteries – based mostly on silver, zinc and water – is safer," explains Dr. Ross Dueber, President and CEO. "Secondly, these high-energy batteries can significantly improve upon the performance of existing lithium-ion batteries used in notebook computers and cellular phones. And finally, Zinc Matrix Power uses an environmentally friendly chemistry which allows battery cells to be recycled and the contents reused."
The technology contains no lithium or flammable liquids and is free from the problems of thermal runaway, fire and danger of explosion. The batteries are also free from the regulations that limit the size of lithium-containing batteries on airplanes. In addition to the intrinsic safety offered by the ZMP cells, a notebook PC battery pack using ZMP cells can be expected to provide longer run-time than equivalent Li-ion based battery packs. The combination of longer run-time, safety, and an unrestricted pack capacity (not restricted by Li-ion battery regulations for in-flight use) make Zinc Matrix Power battery cells an attractive proposition for notebook PC OEMs.
In addition to addressing the needs of notebook computer and cell phone manufacturers, Zinc Matrix Power rechargeable battery technology has applications for the military, government, retail, and broadcast (mobile TV) markets. Having raised more than $35 million in funding, Zinc Matrix Power's investors include Power Ventures, a large private equity group, Intel™ Capital and OnPoint™ Technologies, a strategic private equity firm funded by the United States Army. Tyco Electronics, part of Tyco International, is the company's global manufacturing partner. Zinc Matrix Power batteries will be available to device manufacturers for evaluation and testing in early 2007.
