“Tesla’s Battery Research Group Files Patent for New Battery Cell Chemistry”

Tesla’s Battery Research Group Files Patent for New Battery Cell Chemistry

Tesla’s battery research group, led by Jeff Dahn in Halifax, has applied for a patent that could revolutionize the battery industry. The patent describes a new battery cell chemistry that would result in faster charging and discharging, better longevity, and even lower cost.

About Jeff Dahn and His Contributions to Battery Technology

Jeff Dahn is a pioneer in Li-ion battery cells. His work on Li-ion batteries dates back to their invention, and he is credited with helping increase the life cycle of these cells, which has significantly contributed to their commercialization. Dahn’s current research focuses on potential increases in energy density and durability.

In 2016, Dahn transitioned his research group from a 20-year research agreement with 3M to a new association with Tesla under the newly formed ‘NSERC/Tesla Canada Industrial Research’. As part of the agreement, Tesla invested in a new research lab close to Dahn’s group in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

The Patent Application: Novel Battery Systems Based on Two-Additive Electrolyte Systems

While Dahn’s group has been relatively quiet over the past few years, it has been known that they have been working on additives to the electrolyte to increase the performance of Li-ion battery cell chemistry. Around the time that their efforts were reported, they applied for a patent for the technology, which was made public recently.

The patent, titled ‘Novel battery systems based on two-additive electrolyte systems’, describes a solution that uses only two additives, resulting in better performance, lifetime, and cost. The patent application states that the new two-additive mixtures in an electrolyte solvent can be used with lithium nickel manganese cobalt compounds, also known as NMC battery chemistry.

While NMC battery chemistry is commonly used in electric vehicles by many automakers, Tesla has used the technology in its stationary energy storage systems, but uses NCA for its vehicle battery cells. The new patent filed by Tesla’s battery research group suggests that the technology would be useful for both electric vehicles and grid-storage.

Summary of Tesla’s New Battery Patent

The patent describes two-operative, additive electrolyte systems that include combinations of various compounds. These systems, when used as part of a greater battery system, produce desirable properties for energy storage applications, including in vehicle and grid applications.

More specifically, the patent describes a battery system with desirable properties for different applications, including lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) positive electrodes, graphite negative electrodes, a lithium salt dissolved in an organic or non-aqueous solvent, and two additives.

Drawings and Specifications from Tesla’s Newly Published Patent Application

The patent application includes several drawings and a full specification sheet, providing a detailed look at the proposed technology.

As Tesla continues to innovate in the field of battery technology, this new patent application represents a significant step forward. The potential for faster charging and discharging, better longevity, and lower cost could have a major impact on the electric vehicle and energy storage industries.

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