National Central University Department of Chemistry Professor Fei Ding-guo has devoted considerable efforts to the development of technology associated with lithium batteries. Fei is one of the world’s experts in the development of Li-ion battery high voltage cathode materials; he also maintains the record to date for developing cathode materials that have the highest electricity capacity of anywhere in the world.

Believing that developing green, pollution-free methods of transportation has already become a trend, Fei says the key to success in the development of electric vehicles will be in their batteries.

Fei has used a variety of farming refuse products, such as discarded rice husks, peanut shells and sugar cane dregs in his research. After being treated with acid and pore agents, the items are heated to a high temperature, which will make them into carbon materials that have an ability to hold large amounts of electricity. The first lithium insertion capacity can reach 1,650 mAh/g per hour, which is far higher than the amount of power that can be stored in traditional black lead batteries, which feature a capacity of 372 mAh/g per hour. Just such an application set the new world record in the amount of power storage.

Unfortunately, however, the ability to store electricity among carbon materials is only exceptional during the first charge; after that, it will lose quite a bit of its power supply, and use of this material in a battery would cause imbalances. Further advancements and breakthroughs in this technology will be required if it is to be applied to electrical vehicles.

Professor Fei suggested that a national laboratory for lithium batteries be established as soon as possible to engage in long-term research and development. He said the laboratory could also play a role in developing lithium battery recycling technology and helping to create a regulatory mechanism. These would prove useful in expanding future demand of electric vehicle batteries, he said.

More Info: http://taiwantoday.tw/content.asp?cuItem=85456&mp=9