Battery Materials
As the demand for clean and renewable energy sources continues to rise, there is a growing need to invest in electrical storage systems. Renewable energy needs to be stored and distributed according to energy demand. Battery materials research is crucial for a sustainable future. Batteries will play a role in:
Driving technological innovationElectrifying transportationReducing carbon footprints
Inegrating renewable energyPromoting resource sustainabilityEnhancing grid reliability
Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have quickly become the ‘battery of choice’. They offer a lightweight cathode material and high charging efficiency, making them effective solutions for hybrid electric (HEV) and all-electric vehicles (EV). Our selection of lithium-ion battery materials includes the six main types: NMC, NCA, NCM, LFP, LMO, LCO, as well as the newer LNMO.
Our anode active materials include lithium titanate, carbon black and graphite that can be coated on copper foils. Other carbon-based graphene materials and carbon nanotubes are known to improve conductivity. Such materials are also being used in ground-breaking solid-state battery research. Explore our range to find the materials that suit your research.
Jump to: Browse Collections | Browse Battery Materials | Choose the Right Battery Material | Applications of Battery Materials | Resources and Support
Battery Materials Collections
Cathode Active Materials
Explore the range of high-purity cathode materials designed for high-capacity, high-voltage batteries to maximize energy density.
Anode Active Materials
Explore the range of anode active materials including graphite for high lithium storage and excellent conductivity.
Browse All Battery Materials
Related categories: cathode active materials, anode active materials
Filter by type:
Filter by electrode type:
Choose the Right Battery Materials
It is important to consider the application of the battery when deciding on the right material for your research. Each material has a different chemical composition and structure which is designed to benefit the different properties of a battery. These properties can range from increased ion mobility to allow for faster charging/discharging, to increased chemical stability to enhance cycle life. We have a range of battery materials for a wide range of research applications including HEVs, EVs, and grid storage.
Battery Materials by Properties
| Battery Material | Voltage (V) | Specific Capacity (mAh/g) | Cycle Life |
|---|---|---|---|
| NCA | 4.7 V | 194 | 500 Cycles |
| LNMO | 4.7 V |
146.8 (Theoretical) 103 (Experimental) |
92% retention after 1000 cycles |
| NCM523 | 4.3 V | 154 | 76.9% retention after 400 cycles at 3C |
| LiCoO2 | 4.0 – 4.2 V |
274 (Theoretical) 165 (Experimental) |
500 – 1000 Cycles |
| LMO | 4.0 V | 105 | 300 – 700 Cycles |
| NMC811 | 3.8 V | 200 | 1000 – 2000 Cycles |
| LiFePO4 | 3.2 V | 155.5 | ~ 1500 Cycles |
Battery Materials by Application
| Hybrid Electric and Electric Vehicles | Energy Storage and Renewable Energy | Consumer Electronics | Power Tools | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Applications of Battery Materials
Batteries are an area of significant research and are used in a range of applications as electrical energy storage mediums. Lithium cathodes have become the dominant battery material because of their large energy capacity and high operating voltages relative to other battery types. As a result, lithium-ion batteries are being developed for use in HEVs, EVs, energy storage, consumer electronics, and power tools.
Hybrid and Electric Vehicles
HEVs and EVs require a high capacity, to enable longer drive distances; a high cycle rate, to reduce battery replacements; and a high voltage, to allow for higher current draws. These batteries must also be safe and achieve suitable energy density.
While efforts are ongoing to perfect a singular battery type, it is common to employ multiple different battery chemistries to achieve separate tasks. By using multiple battery types and smart charging methodology, an EV can sustain its battery life for the required time.
Energy Storage and Renewable Energy
Energy storage systems are becoming increasingly important as the need for accessible energy increases. Batteries can be used to address the mismatch between renewable energy generation and energy demand.
By storing energy during peak generation times, battery energy storage systems can provide electricity during times when demand exceeds energy generation. With storage systems, the overall capacity, reliability, and cycle life must be optimized.
High Power
Batteries used in high-powered applications require a large current draw or a high C value. To allow for this, the battery structure needs to be resilient and allow for fast ion mobility. Common applications include RC aviation and power tools, such as cordless drills.
Consumer Electronics
Consumer electronics, like phones and laptops, need smaller and more efficient batteries with faster charging times. Energy density and the capacities at fast current draw rates, as well as the nominal usage, are important as fast charging requires a large current flow.
Resources and Support
An Introduction to Batteries
Typically, batteries work by a process known as intercalation. This process occurs across the battery components. Most batteries consist of the same components.
Read more...
How Lithium-Ion Batteries Work
Lithium-ion batteries use the reversible lithium intercalation reaction. The battery has several important components including the electrodes, electrolyte, and separator.
Read more...
Cathode vs Anode: What is the Difference?
Defining a cathode and anode as positive and negative, or as the source and sink of a current, depends on your definition of current itself. Current can describe the flow of positive or negative charge.
Read more...
What is a Battery C-Rate?
C-rate refers to the rate at which a battery charges or discharges relative to its maximum capacity. In other words, the speed at which delithiation and lithiation occurs in a lithium-ion battery. The higher the C-rate the faster charging or discharging occurs.
Learn more... Graphene Battery vs Lithium-Ion Battery
This page discusses the pros and cons of Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries and graphene batteries and the future outlook for battery research.
Learn more...
Thermal Runaway: Why do Li-ion batteries catch fire?
Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries can catch fire due to a process known as thermal runaway, which is triggered by various factors and involves a series of heat-releasing reactions. While Li-ion batteries are widely used in laptops, cameras, and electric vehicles (EVs) such as scooters and cars, their rise in popularity has not been without issues. In the UK alone, fire services responded to 921 lithium-ion battery fires in 2023, a 46% increase from the previous year.
Learn more...New Battery Materials
What is a Carbon Nanotube Battery?
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), such as single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT), have been tipped as one of the most exciting nanomaterials in the development of battery technology. The key properties of CNTs that make them ideal candidates as battery components is their high electron conductivity, high strength and lightweight nature.
Learn more...
Graphene Batteries
Graphene batteries are advanced energy storage devices. Graphene materials are two-dimensional and are typically made solely of carbon.
Read more...