Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1997-2002
Title: Innovations in Lithium Battery Technology by William H. Smyrl
Introduction
William H. Smyrl is a notable inventor based in New Brighton, MN (US), recognized for his contributions to lithium battery technology. He holds a total of 3 patents that focus on advanced materials for lithium batteries, particularly utilizing manganese oxide.
Latest Patents
Smyrl's latest patents include innovative lithium batteries that employ new manganese oxide materials as lithium intercalation hosts. One of his significant inventions is the development of amorphous manganese dioxide cathodes for lithium batteries. These cathodes are synthesized using a sol-gel approach, which involves the reduction of sodium permanganate with fumaric acid disodium salt at room temperature. This method ensures the formation of an amorphous structure, resulting in a nanoporous manganese dioxide with a high internal surface area of 350 m²/g. The amorphous manganese dioxide can electrochemically intercalate more than 1.6 moles of lithium per mole of manganese, with a theoretical capacity of 2 moles of lithium per mole of manganese. The intercalation process is reversible, and lithium battery cathodes that incorporate this material, along with carbon powder and a binder, achieve a charge capacity of 436 mAh/g and store energy at 1056 mWh/g. Additionally, copper-doped amorphous manganese oxides have shown significant improvements in cycling performance.
Career Highlights
Smyrl's work at the University of Minnesota has positioned him as a leader in the field of battery technology. His research focuses on high-capacity, high-rate materials, specifically those with a nominal composition of V₂O₄.₅(OH). These materials are suitable for intercalations of greater than 2.4 Li per V₂O₅, yielding a theoretical energy density of over 970 Wh/Kg of cathode active material. The synthesis of these materials from sol and gels further enhances their applicability in energy storage devices.
Collaborations
Throughout his career, Smyrl has collaborated with esteemed colleagues, including Boone B. Owens and Dinh Ba Le. Their joint efforts have contributed to advancements in the field of lithium battery technology.
Conclusion
William H. Smyrl's innovative work in lithium battery technology, particularly through the development of advanced manganese oxide materials, has significant implications