Articles tagged with "lithium-batteries"
Dragonfly Energy Expands Marine OEM Footprint with World’s Largest Power Catamaran Manufacturer, World Cat - CleanTechnica
Dragonfly Energy Holdings Corp., a leading lithium battery technology company known for its Battle Born Batteries®, has expanded its partnership with World Cat, the world’s largest manufacturer of power catamarans. After successfully integrating Dragonfly’s lithium power systems into the World Cat 325 DC model and demonstrating strong multi-season performance supporting various onboard electrical loads, World Cat has chosen to make Battle Born Batteries standard equipment on its new flagship 400DC-X Island dual-console model. This new model features a 540Ah lithium ship’s power system with a dedicated AC inverter, designed to meet growing customer demand for enhanced onboard comfort and offshore performance. The collaboration highlights Dragonfly Energy’s growing footprint in the marine OEM market, emphasizing the reliability, long service life, and low maintenance benefits of its lithium battery solutions for recreational and commercial boating. World Cat’s materials manager praised the proven real-world performance and convenience of Battle Born Batteries, while Dragonfly’s chief commercial officer viewed the expanded adoption as a significant milestone reflecting customer trust and product
energylithium-batteriesenergy-storagemarine-power-systemsBattle-Born-BatteriesDragonfly-Energypower-catamaransChina's solid-state EV battery materials giant secures 8 new patents
Chinese battery materials company Tinci has secured eight new patents related to sulfide solid electrolytes for all-solid-state lithium batteries, underscoring its commitment to advancing solid-state battery technology for electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems. Four patents focus on specific electrolyte formulations and preparation methods, while the other four address versions tailored for full solid-state battery systems. These innovations aim to improve battery safety, durability, energy density, and long-term performance under demanding conditions. Tinci emphasizes that these materials are designed for practical applications beyond laboratory testing. Currently, Tinci’s sulfide electrolyte program is in the pilot phase, with kilogram-scale samples supplied to battery manufacturers for evaluation. A mid-scale pilot production line is under construction, expected to be operational by mid-2026. The development leverages a liquid-phase reaction method adapted from Tinci’s existing lithium salt manufacturing technologies. The company’s strategic partnerships with leading Chinese battery makers, notably CATL and BYD, have evolved from procurement to deep technical
energymaterialssolid-state-batteryelectric-vehicleslithium-batteriesbattery-materialsenergy-storageThe Yangtze River Is Becoming the World’s Largest Electrified Trade Corridor - CleanTechnica
The article highlights the launch of the Gezhouba, a 13,000-ton all-electric bulk carrier on China’s Yangtze River, marking a significant milestone in the electrification of inland shipping. Equipped with 24 MWh of containerized lithium battery modules, the vessel can travel approximately 500 km on a single charge. Its home port in Yichang features the first dedicated charging station on the Yangtze, signaling the transition from electric shipping as a concept to a practical reality. This development is part of a broader, staged electrification process in port and shipping operations, beginning with electric cranes and yard equipment, extending to tugs and harbor craft, and now reaching inland and short-sea vessels. The ultimate goal is for ports to become full energy hubs that support deep-sea hybrid ships and stabilize regional power grids. The Yangtze River corridor exemplifies this transformation, supported by a robust energy infrastructure that delivers over 30 TWh of renewable power annually via ultra-high-vol
energyelectrificationlithium-batteriesrenewable-powerelectric-shippingenergy-infrastructureUHVDC-transmissionChina achieves 99.6% recovery of materials from retired EV batteries
China has made significant progress in electric vehicle (EV) battery recycling, achieving a 99.6% recovery rate for key materials such as nickel, cobalt, and manganese, with lithium recovery reaching 96.5%. This success follows the implementation of new national standards for dismantling, testing, and recycling retired EV batteries, now totaling 22 regulations. These standards, widely adopted across the industry, promote environmental sustainability and economic circularity by enabling efficient material recovery and reuse. For example, facilities like the Battery Science & Technology workshop in Tianjin employ processes including dismantling, crushing, and purification to recover over 95% of lithium for new battery production. China is also strengthening its leadership in global battery recycling standards by establishing a national technical committee that includes experts from all stages of the battery lifecycle. This committee, led by the General Administration of Market Supervision and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, aims to unify standards for batteries used in vehicles, ships, and energy storage systems. Chinese experts
energyelectric-vehiclesbattery-recyclingmaterials-recoverysustainabilitylithium-batteriescircular-economyThe LA Fires Spewed Out Toxic Nanoparticles. He Made It His Mission to Trace Them
The article centers on Nicholas Spada, a project scientist at UC Davis’ Air Quality Research Center, who has taken on the critical task of tracing toxic nanoparticles released during the unusual 2025 Los Angeles wildfires. These fires, fueled largely by manmade materials such as lawn chemicals, asbestos insulation, lead paint, and lithium batteries, erupted unexpectedly in winter due to strong Santa Ana winds. Unlike typical wildfires, these urban blazes emitted highly toxic substances, including aerosolized particles and nanoparticles that pose significant health risks. Spada employs a specialized nuclear method using protons to detect and analyze these ultrafine particles, which are particularly dangerous because their tiny size allows them to penetrate deep into human organs, potentially causing cancer, autoimmune disorders, and dementia. Spada’s research focuses on quantifying the exposure Angelenos experienced, especially to hazardous substances like PFAS “forever chemicals” and transformed nanoparticles such as titanium monoxide, which forms when titanium dioxide pigments are exposed to extreme heat and becomes more
nanoparticlesair-pollutionwildfiretoxic-materialslithium-batteriesPFASenvironmental-healthDragonfly Energy & Airstream Expand Partnership - CleanTechnica
Dragonfly Energy’s Battle Born Batteries® have become the standard lithium battery option across all Airstream products starting with the 2026 model year. These lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄) batteries are integrated into Airstream’s Interstate and Atlas motorized lines through the Advanced Power System and Advanced Power Plus Packages, and are also available as standard or optional equipment on other Airstream models. The partnership highlights the importance of reliable, safe, and long-lasting battery power for RV owners who seek off-grid capability, often supplemented by solar panels, to run appliances, lighting, and electronics without relying on grid electricity. The Battle Born batteries use LiFePO₄ chemistry, known for its safety, stability, and resistance to thermal runaway, making them ideal for mobile and residential use. Dragonfly Energy enhances safety further by using cylindrical cells, which are more robust against mechanical stress. The batteries are manufactured in Reno, Nevada, with strict quality control and offer a lifespan of 3,
energylithium-batteriesLiFePO4energy-storagerenewable-energybattery-technologyoff-grid-powerStudent-built EV covers 1,864 miles in 44 hours to win solar race
The Sophie 8X, a solar-powered electric vehicle built by students from Hong Kong’s Vocational Training Council (VTC), won the Cruiser class of the 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge. The race covered approximately 3,000 kilometers (1,864 miles) across the Australian outback, which Sophie 8X completed in 44 hours at an average speed of 68.7 km/h (42.7 mph). The vehicle’s lightweight design, featuring a 15.2 kWh battery weighing just 40 kilograms and six square meters of solar panels on its roof, demonstrated how efficiency and innovation can outperform heavier mainstream EVs like the Tesla Model Y, which weighs over twice as much and uses a much larger battery pack. Key technical advancements included the use of in-wheel permanent magnet synchronous motors that are 18% lighter than previous versions, paired with a third-generation silicon carbide semiconductor controller that improved energy efficiency by 30% at cruising speeds. Aerodynamic optimization through
energyelectric-vehiclessolar-powerbattery-technologylithium-batteriessilicon-carbide-semiconductorsrenewable-energyUS' lithium battery recycling plant offers yield exceeding 97%
Princeton NuEnergy (PNE) has launched the United States’ first commercial-scale battery recycling facility in Chester, South Carolina, achieving a recycling yield exceeding 97%. This advanced plant produces battery-grade cathode active materials and critical battery minerals domestically, supporting a secure and circular U.S. battery supply chain. The facility is fully permitted, surpasses industry recovery norms, and plans to expand capacity from 15,000 tons per annum (tpa) in 2026 to potentially 50,000 tpa as demand grows. PNE’s technology, developed from Princeton University research, utilizes a patented low-temperature plasma-assisted separation process (LPAS) that recovers nearly all lithium-ion materials across battery chemistries, offering a 38% cost reduction and 69% lower environmental footprint compared to conventional methods. PNE is also advancing direct recycling technologies through a joint pilot facility in Texas and operates the largest Materials Testing Center in the U.S. northeast, facilitating third-party validation and accelerating
energybattery-recyclinglithium-batteriesmaterials-recoverycircular-economysupply-chainsustainable-energyNew tool predicts lithium battery failure, could help make safer EVs
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego have developed a new, straightforward method to accurately measure lithium metal battery performance using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with an algorithm. This innovation addresses a critical challenge in lithium metal batteries: uneven lithium deposition on electrodes, which leads to the formation of dendrites—spiky lithium structures that can pierce battery separators, causing short circuits and battery failure. Previously, assessments of lithium deposit uniformity were subjective and inconsistent across labs, hindering progress in battery research. The team created an algorithm that analyzes SEM images by converting them into black-and-white pixels representing lithium deposits and calculates an Index of Dispersion (ID) to quantify lithium uniformity. A lower ID indicates more uniform lithium deposition, while a higher ID signals clustering and potential battery degradation. Validated on over 2,000 computer-generated images and real battery tests, the ID score correlated with battery health, with fluctuations in the score serving as early warnings of impending failure. This accessible method, leveraging standard
energylithium-batterieselectric-vehiclesbattery-safetyscanning-electron-microscopymaterials-sciencebattery-technologyChina boosts lithium battery life, efficiency using boron additives
Chinese scientists from Nankai University have developed boron-containing electrolyte additives to address key challenges in lithium metal batteries (LMBs), such as lithium dendrite formation, short cycle life, and low Coulombic efficiency. Lithium metal batteries offer high energy density (over 500 Wh/kg), but their practical use is hindered by these issues. The research highlights that optimizing electrolyte formulations with boron additives is a cost-effective strategy to improve battery performance. Boron additives help dissolve Li2O and LiF deposits, reducing interfacial charge transfer resistance and enhancing lithium-ion diffusion, which improves discharge capacity and rate performance. The team designed and tested four boron additives, focusing on their electron-deficient properties and electrostatic potential (ESP) to identify the most effective compounds. Tris(hexafluoroisopropyl) borate (THFPB) showed the highest ESP, indicating strong anion attraction and promising electrolyte additive characteristics. The oxidative decomposition of boron additives at the cath
energylithium-batteriesboron-additiveselectrolyte-optimizationbattery-efficiencyenergy-storagematerials-scienceResearchers uncover atomic flaw blocking lithium battery recycling
Researchers at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) have identified a critical atomic-level flaw that hinders lithium battery recycling: trace amounts of aluminum contamination within cathode materials. Their study reveals that aluminum atoms infiltrate nickel–cobalt–manganese (NCM) cathodes by substituting cobalt atoms, forming ultra-stable aluminum–oxygen bonds. This atomic substitution effectively locks key metals like nickel, cobalt, and manganese in place, making them significantly harder to extract using the acidic solvents commonly employed in recycling processes. Advanced imaging techniques and quantum modeling confirmed that even minimal aluminum presence fundamentally alters the chemical behavior of cathode materials, posing a substantial obstacle to efficient metal recovery. The research also highlights that aluminum’s impact varies with different solvents—slowing metal release in formic acid, accelerating it in ammonia, and producing unpredictable results in deep eutectic solvents—underscoring the complexity of recycling chemistry. Moreover, common mechanical shredding methods may exacerbate aluminum contamination through friction
energybattery-recyclinglithium-batteriesmaterials-sciencealuminum-contaminationcathode-chemistrysustainable-energyNew lithium battery suppresses fire with built-in safety system
Researchers at the Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences have developed a lithium metal battery prototype with a built-in flame suppressant to address the fire risks associated with lithium metal batteries. These batteries offer significantly higher energy storage—up to ten times that of conventional lithium-ion cells—making them attractive for electric vehicles and portable electronics. However, their lithium metal anodes and nickel-rich oxide cathodes can generate flammable gases that may cause overheating and explosions. The new design incorporates a polymer into the cathode that remains stable under normal conditions but releases fire-inhibiting radicals when temperatures exceed 100 °C, suppressing the chemical reactions that produce flammable gases. Testing showed that while a standard lithium metal battery overheated to 1,000 °C and ignited within 13 minutes at elevated temperatures, the prototype only reached 220 °C and did not catch fire or explode. This smart flame-retardant system enhances both thermal safety and electrochemical stability, potentially transforming lithium metal batteries into safer options
energylithium-batteriesfire-safetyflame-retardant-polymerenergy-storageelectric-vehiclesbattery-technologyChina’s new tech flags failures before lithium battery fully activates
Chinese researchers from Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School and the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology have developed a predictive model that can forecast lithium metal anode failures within just the first two charging cycles of lithium metal batteries (LMBs). By analyzing electrochemical data from these initial cycles, the model identifies early-stage lithium plating and stripping behaviors that serve as “electrochemical fingerprints” indicative of different failure modes. This approach significantly reduces the time and resources needed for testing compared to traditional post-mortem analyses, which only reveal failure outcomes after degradation has occurred. The model employs machine learning algorithms trained on extensive datasets to classify three main types of battery failure: kinetics degradation, reversibility degradation, and co-degradation. It also demonstrates strong generalizability, accurately predicting failures across various electrolyte formulations, including low- and high-concentration systems based on carbonates, ethers, and siloxanes. Importantly, this predictive method requires no battery disassembly or special instruments, relying solely on cycling data, making
energylithium-batteriesbattery-failure-predictionenergy-storagemachine-learninglithium-metal-anodebattery-technology60-feet long solar-electric catamaran with 800-mile-range sets sail
Revolution Marine Group, a Florida-based company, has unveiled its latest 60-foot solar-electric catamaran, the Oceanwalker S60e, targeting the growing market for eco-friendly yachts. This model features a sleek dual-hull design powered by twin 150 kW (200 hp) electric motors and supported by a 10 kW solar array that powers onboard amenities such as air-conditioning and electric cooking. While the exact electric-only range is undisclosed, the yacht includes two 45 kW diesel generators that extend its total range up to 800 nautical miles, providing flexibility for longer voyages. The yacht also offers customizable interior layouts with three or four cabins, catering to private owners and luxury charters. Construction of the first Oceanwalker S60e is underway at the Fujian Sky Walker shipyard in China, with delivery expected by April 2026. The vessel’s first home will be Club Ki’ama Bahamas, an exclusive solar-powered yacht and residence club on Elizabeth Island. Club Ki’ama’s management praised the yacht as a perfect complement to their sustainable oceanfront community. Revolution Marine’s CEO Edward Sacks emphasized the company’s commitment to innovation and quality, hinting at future larger models in the Oceanwalker lineup, signaling ongoing advancements in sustainable marine technology.
energysolar-powerelectric-yachthybrid-propulsionsustainable-technologylithium-batteriesmarine-energy-systemsLithium battery waste gets AI-powered fix from Hong Kong startup
Hong Kong startup Achelous Pure Metals is addressing the growing global e-waste crisis, particularly lithium-ion battery waste, with an AI-powered, portable recycling system designed for urban centers. The company has developed a robot-assisted pilot line capable of sorting, shredding, and filtering materials from non-electric vehicle lithium batteries. Their process includes vacuum and heat treatments to safely extract hazardous substances and uses nanoparticle-based separation to isolate critical metals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel from the "black mass" residue. Achelous aims to scale and deploy this eco-friendly recycling technology starting in Hong Kong and expanding across Southeast Asia. Despite deploying technology at a client facility in Jiangsu province capable of processing up to 10,000 tonnes of battery waste annually, the startup faces challenges due to oversupply and falling prices of recycled lithium products. Lithium carbonate prices have dropped nearly 90% from late 2022 to mid-2024 amid a surge in China’s recycling capacity and black mass competition. In response, Achelous is pivoting by expanding its Hong Kong operations and helping partners across Southeast Asia establish micro-factories to produce black mass for export to China. The company is also exploring recycling opportunities for lithium batteries from security transceivers and working with local firms in Malaysia and Singapore to meet future recycled content regulations and compliance tracking. This initiative comes amid a mounting global e-waste problem, with 62 million tonnes generated in 2022 and projections reaching 82 million tonnes by 2030. Metals in e-waste are valued at $91 billion, yet only 22% was properly recycled in 2022. Governments worldwide, including the EU, are tightening regulations to increase lithium recovery rates, underscoring the urgent need for innovative recycling solutions like those developed by Achelous Pure Metals.
energylithium-batteriesbattery-recyclingAI-powered-recyclinge-waste-managementmaterials-recoverysustainable-technology