Ann: Next-Battery Ramps Up Development, page-2

" Next-Battery’s prototype development bolstered by key progress milestones, with solid state electrolyte technology to partner anode and cathode innovation using Next-Battery’s thin film technology, creating a unique lattice structure to deliver significant increases in battery capacity without major changes to existing battery production processes.

 HIPO Chairman, Maurice Feilich recently attended the Zaporizhzhya International Investment Forum Ukraine, where NextMetals, Next-Battery’s parent company, presented at the request of Governor Konstantine Bryl. NextMetals was one of 8 speakers presenting at the panel with the Governor.

 Presentation included Next-Battery’s development of Novel Electrodes for Advanced Lithium-ion Batteries with investment from HIPO Resources. There was a televised signing of an MOU between NextMetals and the Regions’ Governor. The MOU confirms government support for the development of any of NextMetals and Next-Battery products in Zaporizhzhya.

 Discussions with Ukrainian governmental officials covered the viability of converting existing Ukrainian car manufacturing plants to be suitable for manufacturing electric vehicles with the potential that NextBattery’s lithium-ion battery technology will form the core of the battery power supply.

 Next-Battery continues with cathode prototype development with multiple demonstrations of elements of the cathode manufacturing process being completed, including the deposition of several nano-meters of certain metal oxides on a substrate for testing.

 Strategic discussions underway with both EV car and battery manufacturers in Europe and China.

 Key recent development has been the formation of a new Next-Battery scientific team specifically formed to develop a unique thin film solid electrolyte. Solid-state batteries replace the liquid electrolyte used in today's lithium-ion batteries with a solid material that could make batteries less flammable while increasing their capacity and charging speed. Whilst the Next-Battery anode / cathode technology works effectively with either liquid or gel electrolytes, any significant advancements on solid state technology could see NextBattery effectively “jump the queue” in terms of rapid commercialisation.

 The new Electrolyte team is focussed on 3 different types of electrolyte for the Next Li-ion battery: 1. A liquid/gel electrolyte; 2. Solid ceramic electrolyte; 3. Polymer/polymer nano-structured composite. The key objective is to select an electrolyte with very high “ionic conductivity” which has the optimum compatibility with the new Next electrodes.

 Major global trend in battery technology is to develop a Solid State Li-ion Battery, which requires a solid electrolyte. Biggest problem is that there is normally low ionic conductivity. The members of the Next electrolyte team are experienced in solid electrolytes and are in the process of producing a novel solid electrolyte with significantly higher conductivity.

 All work is conducted to select the most feasible mass production system to produce a Li-ion battery"