A New Use of Li-Ion Battery Anode Materials: Batteries for Near-Zero-Power Electronics

Abstract

We present efforts to develop a low voltage, high capacity and long life battery technology based on high specific capacity cathode materials, which are typically used as Li-ion battery anodes, and high specific capacity lithium metal anode. We will show low voltage battery cathode development efforts based on metal alloy materials which have high theoretical specific capacities in the low voltage range, are low in cost, non-toxic, dense, abundant, and readily available from commercial sources and, therefore, ideal for low voltage battery to power near zero power electronics. Our low voltage battery technology enhanced by atomic-level functional coatings represents an ideal power source for near-zero-power electronic applications.