Exxonmobil Chemical Introduces Tailored Battery Separator Films To Improve Performance Of Lithium-Ion Batteries In Next Generation Hybrid And Electric Vehicles
Houston, TX - ExxonMobil Chemical showcased a new film technology platform for hybrid and electric vehicle batteries at the 23rd Electric Vehicle Symposium and Exposition (EVS-23) in Anaheim, Calif. on December 2-5, 2007.
ExxonMobil Chemical and ExxonMobil's Japanese affiliate, Tonen Chemical, have developed new battery separator films that are expected to significantly enhance the power, safety and reliability of lithium-ion batteries used in hybrid and electric vehicles. As a result, the new film technologies have the potential to improve the energy efficiency and affordability of the next wave of lower-emission vehicles. Building off the new technology platform, ExxonMobil Chemical can adapt to emerging market needs by providing tailored film grades to meet specific battery maker or original equipment manufacturer requirements.
The new battery separator films are produced using a proprietary wet, bi-orientation manufacturing process that results in fine, highly uniform pores. The films are co-extruded using specially tailored, high heat-resistant polymers. By leveraging ExxonMobil Chemical's technology and polymer expertise to meet very specific hybrid and electric vehicle requirements, the new battery separator films exhibit a unique combination of properties including enhanced permeability, higher meltdown temperature and melt integrity, while maintaining quick shutdown performance and mechanical strength. The higher meltdown temperature significantly increases the film's thermal safety margin.
"One of our safety solutions improves the thermal mechanics of one of the battery's most vital components -- the separator," said Jim P. Harris, senior vice president, ExxonMobil Chemical Company. "With what are essentially very thin, but critical layers of highly-engineered film, you can improve the battery's safety performance and help make the next generation of hybrid and electric vehicles possible."
Separator film is an integral part of battery system design and critical to overall performance. ExxonMobil Chemical's new technology platform builds on twenty years of innovation and experience in lithium-ion battery separators, applying advanced polymer and process technologies with flexibility to tailor products to manufacturer requirements. ExxonMobil Chemical's testing demonstrates improved safety and power performance properties required by battery and original equipment manufacturers, and collaboration will help shorten critical market development time.
"These technologies are consistent with our long-standing commitment to improve energy efficiency," said Harris. "We are investing resources to customize these new separator films to meet the specific lithium-ion battery system requirements and will continue to work with all manufacturers to speed the progress of next generation vehicles."
SOURCE: ExxonMobil Chemical