Originally published February 12 2006
Thin-film lithium batteries answer many problems of traditional batteries
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Oak Ridge National Laboratory might have an answer to all the issues created by most batteries, such as short life spans, highly toxic heavy metals and rapid "self-discharge" rates, because thin-film lithium batteries last longer, hold their charge better, recharge faster and, since they contain no liquids, have no problems with leakage, corrosion and freezing.
Battery-powered toys, radios, and portable electronic devices make fun Christmas gifts - until the batteries run down.
But advances in rechargeable thin-film lithium battery technology at Oak Ridge National Laboratory might one day provide a solution to the dead-battery dilemma.
Traditional alkaline batteries can be short-lived in some devices, costly over the life of the device and inconvenient to replace.
If used improperly, some lose the ability to hold a full charge, a problem known as the "memory effect."
Nancy Dudney, group leader of the Ceramic Thin Films Group in ORNL's Condensed Matter Sciences Division said thin-film lithium batteries last longer; hold their charge better during storage; recharge faster with no memory effects; can be recharged many times and can be made much smaller, lighter and more flexible than traditional batteries.
"We are still a long way from seeing them used in everyday applications like toys and games.
Supported by the Department of Energy's Office of Basic Energy Sciences, Division of Materials Sciences and Engineering, and Laboratory Technology Transfer Research Program, ORNL has developed materials for thin film lithium batteries that withstand temperatures from below zero to 250�C (480�F), Dudney said.
This opens the door to different product designs, such as soldering the batteries into integrated circuits to power microelectronic devices.
John Bates, former head of the Ceramic Thin Films Group and Chief Technical Officer and founder of Oak Ridge Micro-Energy, a local thin film lithium manufacturer, said companies are interested in the technology as backup power for computer memory chips and solar-powered devices in space; notebook computers; miniature hearing aids; and even ultra thin watches.
Bates said progress is being made toward a lower-priced, mass-produced, thin-film lithium power source that is practical for a wider range of applications.
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