Scandium International Files Patent Application for Use of Scandium in Lithium-Ion Batteries

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[{"type":"text","content":"Scandium International Files Patent Application for Use of Scandium in Lithium-Ion BatteriesRENO, NV / ACCESSWIRE / September 24, 2020 / Scandium International Mining Corp. (TSX:SCY) (\"Scandium International\" or the \"Company\") has filed a provisional patent application with the US Patent Office seeking patent rights on various applications of scandium in lithium ion batteries. The patent application covers a number of scandium enhancements, including doping potential for both anodes and cathodes, and for solid electrolytes.HIGHLIGHTS:US Patent Application filed for use of scandium in lithium ion battery applications. Scandium doping applications are explained for anodes, cathodes and electrolytes.Scandium offers conductivity advantages as a dopant, over other options, andScandium in other aluminum components offers numerous property improvements, including conductivity, strength and corrosion resistance.DISCUSSION:Rechargeable lithium ion batteries (LIBs) are a staple of everyday life. The search for improved performance through design and materials advances is intense today. Considerable effort is being expended in developing next-generation materials for LIBs that will make batteries safer, lighter, more durable, faster to charge, more powerful, and more cost-effective. A sampling of some of the more public efforts are as follows:Minimizing or removing cobalt from cathode materials, based on cost, supply and geographic sourcing issues.Improving the durability of liquid electrolytes with dopants, or substitution with safer and higher performing liquid or solid electrolyte systems.Designing for higher voltage potential by utilizing different anode or cathode materials.Determining combinations of metals that can better withstand harsh internal conditions.Scandium, along with other specialty metals, has a clear role to play in each of these areas.One particularly promising area for scandium contributions is in a lithium nickel manganese oxide (LNMO) battery. The cathode in this design substitutes manganese for cobalt, and supports a higher nickel content as well. The substitution then delivers higher working potentials (voltage), higher energy densities, and faster charge/discharge rates, all of which offer the promise of improved battery performance.Delivering on that promise requires a number of improvements, including emplo...

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