July 21, 2011 – Marketwire — SolRayo, Enable IPC Corporation (PINKSHEETS:EIPC) subsidiary, developed an inexpensive and simple nano-based technology to improve lithium batteries, using its Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) SBIR/STTR Program. The $150k grant, awarded in 2010, enabled SolRayo to create a nanoparticle-based technology to address performance degradation of certain lithium batteries, particularly in high-temperature applications.
The nanoparticle coating approach is "simple and inexpensive," according to SolRayo CEO Dr. Mark Daugherty, benefiting lithium battery cycle life (number of charges and discharges) by a factor of three. The nanoparticle coating inhibits the degradation of battery cathode materials, especially at higher operating temperatures, explained Kevin Leonard, SolRayo CTO.
The NSF approved SolRayo’s final report, clearing the company to submit a Phase II proposal for an additional $500,000 in funding over two years beginning in early 2012. Phase II objective will be commercialization of the technology in military, remote power and transportation applications, said Daugherty, fulfilling the STTR program goal of transfering technologies from lab to marketplace.
Battery makers and battery materials suppliers have checked out the nano coating, and SolRayo has seen "some strong interest in the technology," said David Walker, Enable IPC CEO and SolRayo COO.
STTR is a US government-funded, highly competitive small business program that expands funding opportunities in the federal innovation research and development arena.
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