Lithium-ion batteries are widely accepted as the energy-storage norm and are expected to become the primary energy source as the world seeks to achieve decarbonisation targets in many areas, especially transport. Current Li-ion technology is not a one size fits all solution and many applications, such as rail, large haul mining trucks, construction vehicles and maritime have specific requirements in relation to charging times, life cycle, safety and increasingly, sustainability. Operators need these issues to be resolved to achieve lower total cost of ownership and maximum return on their capex investments. Echion is offering a potential solution. XNO®, its niobium-based anode material, which enables lithium-ion batteries to fast charge safely in less than 10 minutes, with high energy density and a cycle life of more than 10,000 cycles.
In this talk, Fiona Coomer, Research & Development Manager at Echion, will explain the research and development process, and the challenges of bringing a new battery material to market. Harry Geary, Test & Validation Manager, will then pick up the story of how Echion works with customers to develop and test battery cells for applications in the marketplace.
Bio(s)
Fiona Coomer has an MSci & MA(Cantab), in Natural Sciences (Chemistry) at Cambridge University and a doctorate in Materials Chemistry (Magnetic Materials) from The University of Edinburgh. Fiona has a strong track record in the battery industry. Most recently in the Product Innovation Team at Johnson Matthey Battery Materials, leading the team in the development of novel high nickelate cathode materials by surface modification and the advanced characterisation and physicochemical understanding of Johnson Matthey’s high nickel cathode material portfolio.
Harry Geary holds a Master’s in Chemistry from Loughborough University which focused on the development of high temperature super capacitors. He went on to work at WMG (Warwick Manufacturing Group), leading the commercial testing efforts in search of the highest power lithium-ion cell on the market. Over the last 4 years, Harry has been with Echion Technologies and has played a key role in the qualification of Echion’s flagship materials into commercial-format cells. In less than 9 months, he took Echion’s cell demonstrators from coin cells to commercially relevant pouch cells, characterised and certified to stringent industry standards.
