Polymer Lithium Sulfur cells battery technology is considered to be the next generation of battery, complementary to Lithium-ion systems. It has the best performance record among all battery technologies to date. Compared to other batteries currently on the market, this technology displays double the energy density as well as perfect reliability and lower manufacturing and operating costs. OXIS Energy Limited, a company that specialises in the design, development and commercial production of these batteries, and Arkema, a global leading chemicals producer, have signed a Joint Development Agreement to further improve the performance of Polymer Lithium Sulfur cells battery.
During the past 10 years, Arkema has built up a great knowledge base in the Lithium-ion battery technology. This expertise, along with its portfolio of specialty components, is why a partnership with OXIS will inevitably improve the performance components of the Polymer Lithium Sulfur cells technology. OXIS and Arkema have identified several areas where key enhancements could be made, both in terms of both power delivered and reliability of Polymer Lithium Sulfur electro-chemical technology.
The parties have agreed that Arkema will provide access to different specialty materials like carbon nanotubes, electrolyte and advanced technical polymers that could be tested by OXIS for use in developing and extending its technology. The collaboration’s aim is to optimize two aspects: the conductivity increase of the electrolyte that should improve energy density, and reinforcement of mechanical resistance of some components in order to extend the lifetime and safety of the battery.
According to OXIS Chief Executive Officer Huw Hampson-Jones “This is a significant step forward for OXIS. The use of “designer” compounds, currently undergoing development by Arkema, could have remarkable results in improving the power available for use in Polymer Lithium Sulfur battery systems and their longevity in battery life cycles. These improvements would have a significant impact in powering electric vehicles safely and over much longer distances than the current Lithium-ion battery technology.”
Christian Collette, Arkema’s R&D Vice President, added “This agreement with OXIS, a recognized expert in polymer lithium sulfur cells battery, fully illustrates the commitment of Arkema’s R&D for the improvement and expansion of new alternative energies. This collaboration is the logical continuation of our dedication to the ongoing development of lithium-ion batteries.”
This partnership is expected to last several years, and it is hoped that Arkema will become the leading supplier of new high technical compounds used in next-generation Polymer Lithium battery systems for electric vehicles, solar and wind power systems and defence equipments.
