Premio Sapienza Ricerca per la ricerca di eccellenza

The research project is directed to the synthesis and the characterization of a series of new electrode and electrolyte materials of interest for advanced lithium ion batteries. The main object is to define and develop new batteries characterized by a high degree of safety and reliability combined to high energy density, high power density and low cost. Batteries of this type are presently requested as ideal power sources for portable electronic devices (e.g. laptop computers and cellular phones) and, particularly, for electric or hybrid cars. The latter application is today of paramount importance in view of the air control in large urban area. To be adequate, the new batteries must offer performance, in terms of safety, cost, cycle and calendar life and environmental compatibility, superior than those of the presently available lithium ion batteries. Indeed, the latter are partly deficient in this respect since based on electrochemical process which involves initial decomposition of the liquid electrolyte (with consequent safety hazard) and uses materials which are not common (with associated high cost) and partially toxic (with associated environmental risk).