Another battery tech breakthrough: Researchers from the DRX Consortium, led by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, have developed a new cathode material for lithium-ion batteries that could significantly increase their energy density and sustainability, according to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. The material, called disordered rock salt (DRX), can store more lithium ions than conventional cathode materials and does not require cobalt or nickel, which are expensive and scarce metals

How it works: The DRX cathode material has a cubic crystal structure that allows lithium ions to move in three dimensions, unlike the layered structure of traditional cathode materials. This means DRX cathodes can pack more lithium ions and deliver more energy per weight.

What’s next? The researchers are working to improve the stability and cycle life of the DRX cathodes, and aim to demonstrate a DRX cathode for EV batteries in less than five years. The DRX Consortium, which is trying to commercialize the new material use, received USD 20 mn in funding from the US Department of Energy Vehicle Technologies Office.

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