New types of rechargeable lithium and lithium-ion polymer batteries

The activities in progress in our laboratory for the development of new types of lithium batteries to be proposed for portable electronics and hybrid car application, are reviewed and discussed. The research has been mainly focused on the characterization of new electrode and electrolyte materials. Results related to improved, solvent-free , as well as gel-type, polymer electrolytes are particularly stressed. It is shown that the use of proper gel electrolytes in combination with suitable electrode couples, allows the development of new types of safe, reliable and low cost lithium ion batteries which appear very promising power sources for hybrid vehicles. copyright The Electrochemical Society.