The U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is researching the use of nanotubes to help increase the power and durability of lithium-ion batteries. Enabling the batteries to last longer and perform better will help lead to cost advantages of electric vehicles.
Crystalline nanotubes and nanorods developed by NREL scientists help mitigate some of the major challenges associated with lithium-ion batteries, such as overheating and weighing too much. The binder-free, carbon-nanotube-based electrodes NREL is using will also help improve conduction of electricity for faster charging and discharging.
Read more about NREL's work to improve lithium-ion battery technology.
