Jun 12 2014
Two UK companies, Perpetuus Carbon Group and OXIS Energy are to collaborate on the development of graphene-enabled electrodes for the next generation of lithium sulphur (Li-S) battery technology.
OXIS Energy’s patented technology is at the cutting edge of Li-S battery development. Its Li-S batteries are lighter, safer and have a theoretical energy density five times greater than conventional Lithium-Ion batteries.
Using its proprietary plasma technology, Perpetuus is able to insert molecules into layered solids such as graphene (known as intercalation) to the very high levels required for enriched electrode materials. Together with OXIS Energy technology, these advanced electrode materials will deliver the next generation of high performance batteries offering energy densities in the order of 400 watt-hours per kilogramme.
This is significantly higher than current Li-ion batteries can achieve. It is also much more cost effective as it will enable cars to undertake journeys of 400-500 miles on one battery charge.
Commenting on the collaboration, Huw Hampson Jones, CEO of OXIS said, “Perpetuus has a unique ability to produce industrial quantities of the nano engineered electrode materials that will significantly extend the cycle life of Li-S batteries.”
John Buckland, Perpetuus CEO, agreed. He said “There is no doubt that OXIS Li-S technology has the ability to be significantly superior to current Li-ion batteries. I hope this collaboration will pave the way for the UK to be the centre of Li-S battery manufacturing. Perpetuus plasma technology could ensure the UK becomes the manufacturing centre to a vast number of graphene-enabled products over the next few years. In the coming months, we hope to be announcing further collaboration and development agreements with other UK businesses utilising our nano surface engineered graphene materials.”
Perpetuus will display OXIS Li-S batteries and Perpetuus graphene/sulphur electrodes at the 2nd Annual Graphene Supply, Application and Commercialisation Conference in Manchester on the 12th/13th June.