By depositing a nanoscale layer of alumina on oxide cathodes, researchers have increased battery energy density by up to 30%.
"This work highlights the dominant effects of surface chemistry on active material performance," the researchers wrote in their paper published in Scientific Reports.
ORNL’s David Wood III noted that the results are encouraging not only for drivers of race cars but also for passenger electric vehicle manufacturers and consumers. This new technology could be on the racetrack as early as October 2017.