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IISc team in (re)search for better batteries
By siliconindia
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Friday, 04 December 2009, 21:27 IST
Bangalore: Prof N Munichandraiah and his group of students in the Department of Inorganic Chemistry at the IISc are carrying out research into various aspects of battery science and technology. Their current research activity focuses on understanding and improving polymer electrolyte-ceramic composites for high energy lithium batteries. Also being investigated are the lithium-ion battery active materials such as the electrochemical characterisation of sub-micron particles of LiMn2O4 (Lithium Manganate), according to Bangalore Mirror.
Munichandraiah adds, "Our research activities involve experimental electrochemical studies, which explore to gain understanding of fundamentals related to several areas of application such as batteries, conducting polymers, electrochemical capacitors, etc. Preparation of positive electrode active materials and their electrochemical evaluation for battery application have been studied."
He further adds that investigations have been directed to evaluate solid polymer electrolytes, which possess a high ionic conductivity and also good mechanical stability at ambient temperature. Electrochemical stability of lithium/polymer electrolyte interphase has been investigated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry.
Analysis of electrochemical impedance data of lithium-ion cells has been carried out for non-destructive evaluation of state-of-charge of the cells in a wide temperature range.
In recent years, there has been growing environmental concern due to unsafe emissions from burning of fossil fuels, which are depleting fast. Electrochemical energy utilisation is one of the ways to substitute fossil fuels, in particular for vehicular application, with greater environmental safety. There is an intense drive to develop electric vehicles. Li-ion batteries are appealing for this application as they have greater energy density than lead-acid, nickel-cadmium and nickel metal hydride batteries. In future, when solar energy becomes the major alternative source of energy, light-weight and compact batteries such as Li-ion batteries will play a key role in storing solar energy, feels Munichandraiah.
New high performance materials are desirable and the research work being carried at IISc by Prof Munichandraiah and his group at the Electrochemistry Lab in the Department of Inorganic and Physical Chemistry will add to the understanding of the research and development of lithium battery systems. Battery people, utilising technology, have their moments to hope and dream of adding their bit for the quest to build the ultimate battery. However, Munichandraiah says it is disheartening to know that India imports all its requirement of Li-ion batteries in spite of the fact that there is an ever growing demand for them in the consumer market, especially for mobile phones and laptops.
