We all use and take for granted the benefits of lithium ion batteries in our cell phones, notebooks, PDA's, consumer appliances and other devices. Recent recalls by the US Consumer Protection Commission have brought to light the potential hazards of lithium ion batteries using traditional metal oxide cathode chemistry. Imagine what could happen if an electric/hybrid electric vehicle (EV/HEV) powered by a large lithium ion battery using a traditional metal oxide cathode chemistry was involved in an accident that crushed the battery or if some other condition caused a thermal runaway event. The result could be devastating.
Valence is a leader in the development and commercialization of phosphate technology since 2002, the only safe lithium-ion rechargeable battery technology for large format cells.
The choice of cathode material used in a lithium ion battery has a profound effect on the battery's safety behavior under abuse conditions. The thermal stability of the cathode material is directly related to the degree to which it liberates oxygen at higher temperatures. Valence's lithium phosphate cathode material - using Saphion® Technology - is safer than transition metal oxide cathode materials, particularly lithium cobalt oxide which is commonly used in laptop computer batteries.
Download and read our white paper on the Safety Advantages of Valence's Saphion® Technology.