Consumer electronics products such as laptops rely on rechargeable lithium batteries.

CSIRO working with Evonik to improve battery technology

The Energy Transformed Flagship is partnering with Evonik and Monash University to develop new lithium battery technology based on room temperature ionic liquids, which are safer than conventional lithium battery electrolytes.

• 2 January 2008 | Updated 14 October 2011

• Background
• Commitment to research and development
• Reducing the risk
• Identifying the ideal electrolyte

Background

Evonik (previously known as Degussa), with its Chemicals Business Area, is working with the Energy Transformed National Research Flagship to develop a new generation of lithium batteries that will be safe to use for a wider range of consumer applications and hybrid or fully electric vehicles.

The partnership combines CSIRO’s research experience in battery technology and electrochemistry with Evonik’s business expertise and global leadership in specialty chemistry.

Commitment to research and development

Evonik's Chemicals Business Area has a demonstrated commitment to research and new product development, operating about 35 research sites worldwide and collaborating with more than 200 academic institutions.

Around 20 per cent of its revenue is based on products and technologies less than five years old.

Through its explorative research unit, Creavis, Evonik is pursuing opportunities that will issue from advances in lithium ion (Li-ion) and lithium metal battery electrochemistry.

Reducing the risk

Li-ion batteries have become one of the most popular types of rechargeable battery for portable electronics such as laptops. They are more efficient than nickel-metal-hydride batteries and have a high energy-to-weight ratio (lithium is the third lightest element).

However, Li-ion battery electrolytes have a low ignition point and can be dangerous if mishandled. Further, their lifespan may be reduced in warm environments.

A recent breakthrough has been the discovery of a new group of room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) by researchers from the CSIRO Energy Transformed Flagship.

These RTILs are stable, non-volatile, non-toxic and non-flammable, making them safer than conventional Li-ion battery electrolytes.

CSIRO’s experience in battery research spans 25 years and its complementary capability in electrochemistry includes intensive research on ionic liquids as catalysts or solvents for industrial applications.

Identifying the ideal electrolyte

Ionic liquids are often called designer solvents because they can be tailored to meet the needs of specific applications.

CSIRO researchers are currently identifying ionic liquids with ideal properties for lithium batteries to provide Creavis with targeted opportunities for scale-up.

The three-way research partnerships includes Monash University, Melbourne, Australia, which runs advanced equipment for characterising ionic liquids and has also created training opportunities for two doctoral students and a post-doctoral researcher.

Evonik, which aims to be a major supplier of high-performance battery components, brings to the partnership its knowledge of manufacturing of specialty chemicals on a commercial scale.

Read more about CSIRO making a significant step forward in battery performance.