Advanced Batteries
One of the areas being explored to advance the performance of lithium ion batteries is thorough the use of ceramic oxide electrolytes. Solid electrolytes have some advantages over their polymer counterparts including simpler designs and safer operation. Lithium-beta alumina has been shown to possess very high Li-ion conductivity and is thus a potential candidate as an electrolyte in Li-ion batteries. It may be possible to extend CeraNova’s proprietary processes for manufacturing nanostructured ceramics to other forms of alumina which could in turn offer potential benefits for advanced lithium ion batteries. .
Fuel Cells
Fuel cells convert chemical energy from a fuel (usually hydrogen) into electricity through a chemical reaction with oxygen. Fuel cells differ from batteries since they continuously require fuel and oxygen to produce an electromotive force (emf) and electricity. Fuel cells are currently used as backup power sources for buildings. In an increasing number of applications, fuel cells are powering vehicles for everyday transportation, for indoor industrial vehicles, and military equipment and vessels.
Fuel cells consist of an electrolyte that allows charges to move between an anode and a cathode. An external electrical circuit is produced by connecting the anode and cathode. Ceramics are used for the electrolyte, but can also form the anode and cathodes.