NEI Introduces Custom-Produced Solid Electrolyte Materials

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June 17, 2015

Somerset, New Jersey (USA) – NEI Corporation, a leading developer and manufacturer of specialty cathode, anode, and electrolyte materials for Lithium-ion batteries, has announced an expansion of its services for producing Custom Solid Electrolyte Materials. Most commercial Lithium-ion batteries usually contain an electrolyte that is dissolved in flammable solvents. The use of a solid electrolyte eliminates the flammability issue associated with currently used liquid electrolytes. Customers can now purchase solid electrolyte materials with the composition of their choice. Whether it is an oxide material (e.g., LATP, LLTO, LNBO or any other mixed metal oxide) or a sulfide material (e.g., LPS, LSPS, or composites of sulfide containing compounds), NEI can produce powders anywhere in the range of small lot quantities to multiple kilograms. Additionally, the primary particle size can be reduced further into the ultrafine or nanoscale regime, if needed.

NEI has also developed processes to combine cathode particles and solid electrolyte materials. For example, in a composite morphology, the cathode and solid electrolyte particles are in intimate contact with each other and evenly distributed throughout the material. Customers can specify the cathode and solid electrolyte compositions of interest, and NEI can custom produce powders with the composite morphology. Similarly, the solid electrolyte material can be deposited as a conformal film on cathode particles. Ionic conductivity measurements indicate that the ionic conductivity of the pristine solid electrolyte is largely preserved when it is combined with the cathode materials (the ionic conductivity of pristine solid electrolyte is 8 x 10^-4 S/cm, whereas the ionic conductivity of solid electrolyte combined with a cathode is 5 x 10^-4 S/cm). Finally, the composite material can be mixed with an ionically conducting binder and cast as a dense film. By making solid state electrolyte materials available in a more useable form, it is our intent to make it easy for Li-ion battery researchers to develop the next generation all-solid-state Li-ion batteries.

NEI’s Custom Solid Electrolyte Materials services build upon NEI’s patent-pending, ready-to-cast, solid electrolyte materials. Over the past year, NEI has supplied multi-kilogram quantities of their newly developed solid electrolyte powder, NANOMYTE^® SSE-10 (Li₁₀SnP₂S₁₂ or LSPS). NANOMYTE® SSE-10, which has been used by a number of scientists and engineers for developing and prototyping “all solid” Lithium batteries, has also been made available in the form of a slurry (dispersion), NANOMYTE^® SSE-10D, which can be cast into flexible tapes. SSE-10D is composed of surface-modified LSPS particles dispersed in organic solvent, which can be removed after the tape or film is formed.

Post Process Solid Electrolyte and Composite Powder into a Slurry and Tape

NEI Corporation has been a long trusted source for customized cathode and anode materials used in lithium batteries. The company specializes in developing new compositions and particle morphologies, including nanoscale particle engineering. NEI also has an extensive battery research and characterization facility, which includes multi-channel cell testers. The introduction of NEI’s service for custom produced solid electrolytes will provide new capabilities to lithium battery developers and manufacturers to enable practical solid state batteries.

For more information, see our slideshow on Custom Produced Solid Electrolytes »

About NEI Corporation:

NEI Corporation is an application driven company that utilizes nanotechnology to develop and produce advanced materials. The company’s core competencies are in synthesizing nanoscale materials and prototyping products that incorporate the advanced materials. NEI Corporation offers cathode and anode materials (both powders and coated electrodes), and solid state electrolytes for use in lithium-ion batteries. The company produces battery materials through a scalable and economical synthesis process, which is adaptable to different materials compositions and particle morphologies.

For more information, contact:
Ms. Krista Martin
+1 (732) 868‐3141
sales@neicorporation.com
###

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June 17, 2015/by Krista

Coating News, Press Release

NEI’s New Coating Technology Provides Self-Healing Protection for Traditional Coating Systems

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March 24, 2015

Somerset, New Jersey (USA) – NEI Corporation announced today that it has introduced NANOMYTE® MEND-RT, a self-healing, polymer nanocomposite coating for use as an intermediate layer in coating systems on metal substrates. When the coating system is physically damaged, the self-healing intermediate layer repairs the damage autonomously at near ambient conditions, closing and sealing the gap and protecting the metal from exposure to the elements. This new feature of physical gap closing provides an alternative to chemical self-healing observed in chromate coatings. The universal nature of this new technology makes it applicable in any chromate-free coating system where self-healing is desired. This unique feature can lead to preserving the aesthetics of a coated surface or providing active corrosion protection on metal surfaces, without changing the formulation of the conventional coating. The intermediate layer can be easily applied by dip, spray, brush or drawdown methods.

The MEND-RT layer is introduced in a traditional coating system without deteriorating the original properties of the coating stack. The technology is applicable to coatings on both ferrous and non-ferrous metals and alloys, such as magnesium, aluminum, copper, zinc and alloys thereof, and steel. The efficacy of the NANOMYTE® MEND-RT coating was confirmed on aluminum alloys, which are used extensively in the aerospace industry. Two sets of coating systems were applied and compared for corrosion resistance. The first coating stack consisted of a chromate-free corrosion resistant pretreatment, a chromate-free epoxy primer, and a standard polyurethane topcoat. The second stack was identical to the first one, with the additional MEND-RT layer inserted between the primer and topcoat. Corrosion resistance was evaluated using the Salt Spray Test (SST) ASTM B-117 method. Artificial defects were made on the coated panels before exposing them to salt spray. The first set of panels, i.e. without the self-healing inter-layer, exhibited early signs of corrosion with white corrosion buildup in the scribed region. The samples with MEND-RT showed enhanced protection with no signs of corrosion after 1,250 hours of exposure.

Photographs showing trends in corrosion resistance for Al 2024 and 7075 4” x 6” panels after 1,250 hours in salt spray test – (a) Commercial non-chromate coating system; (b) Commercial non-chromate coating system with NANOMYTE® MEND-RT.

NANOMYTE® MEND-RT is available as a two-part product. Given that different applications utilize a variety of coating systems, NEI can undertake an in-house study to evaluate the efficacy of MEND-RT in the specific coating system used by the customer. If needed, the MEND-RT formulation can be customized to suit the requirements of the application. Alternatively, customers also have the option of purchasing MEND-RT and applying the coating at their facilities or through their vendors.

Additional Technical Information:

About NEI Corporation:
NEI Corporation is an application-driven company that utilizes nanotechnology to develop and produce advanced materials. The company’s core competencies are in synthesizing nanoscale materials and prototyping products that incorporate the advanced materials. NEI offers an array of Advanced Protective Coatings for metal and polymer surfaces. The coatings have tailored functionalities such as anti-corrosion, self-healing, scratch resistant, impact resistant, ice-phobic, and self-cleaning.

For more information, contact:
Ms. Krista Martin
(732) 868‐3141
sales@neicorporation.com
###

View / Download Press Release (pdf)

March 24, 2015/by Krista

Battery News, Press Release

NEI Announces Ready-to-Cast Solid Electrolyte Slurry for Lithium Ion Batteries

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January 21, 2015

Somerset, New Jersey (USA) – NEI Corporation, a leading developer and manufacturer of specialty cathode, anode, and electrolyte materials for Lithium-ion batteries, announced today that they are expanding their offering of patent-pending, solid electrolyte materials. Over the past year, NEI has supplied multi-kilogram quantities of their newly developed solid electrolyte powder, NANOMYTE® SSE-10 (Li₁₀SnP₂S₁₂ or LSPS). SSE-10, which has now been used by a multitude of scientists and engineers for developing and prototyping “all solid” Lithium batteries, is now being made available in the form of a slurry or dispersion that can be cast into flexible tapes. NANOMYTE® SSE-10D is composed of surface-modified LSPS particles dispersed in organic solvent, which can be removed after the tape or film is formed.

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NANOMYTE® SSE-10D is a ready-to-cast and practical solid electrolyte material for lithium-ion batteries

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Cathode Tape Comprising Lithium Cobalt Oxide and NANOMYTE® SSE-10D, cast on aluminum current collector

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Lithium Tin Phosphorous Sulfide (LSPS) belongs to a family of “superionic” solids, which have demonstrated high conductivity for lithium ions at room temperature. Commercial Lithium-ion batteries usually contain an electrolyte that is dissolved in flammable solvents. The use of a solid electrolyte eliminates the flammability issue associated with currently used liquid electrolytes. Sulfur-based superionic solids with high Li-ion conductivity (10^-3 S/cm) at room temperature (and more than an order of magnitude higher at 60 ^oC) were not commercially available until more than a year ago, when NEI first introduced LSPS in powder form. Since then, SSE-10 powder has been tested by industrial corporations (automotive, electronics, oil & gas) as well as academic and research institutes. By offering the material in slurry form, SSE-10D is readily castable into films & tapes and provides more options for cell designers to combine with suitable cathode and anode active materials. Additionally, SSE-10D allows limited atmospheric stability to the solid electrolyte particles, which otherwise need to be handled in a controlled environment.

NANOMYTE® SSE-10D is available in small as well as bulk quantities, and it can be supplied in customized formulations, with the addition of an active material (such as LCO, LFP, NCA, LMNO, graphite, and LTO).

NEI Corporation has been a long trusted source for customized cathode and anode materials used in lithium batteries. The company specializes in developing new compositions and particle morphologies, including nanoscale particle engineering. NEI also has an extensive battery research and characterization facility, which includes multi-channel cell testers. The introduction of NANOMYTE® SSE-10 last year, and now SSE-10D, will provide new capabilities to lithium battery developers and manufacturers to enable practical solid state batteries.

For more information, see NANOMYTE® SSE-10D’s Technical Data Sheet and Material Safety Data Sheet.

About NEI Corporation:
NEI Corporation is an application driven company that utilizes nanotechnology to develop and produce advanced materials. The company’s core competencies are in synthesizing nanoscale materials and prototyping products that incorporate the advanced materials. NEI Corporation offers cathode and anode materials (both powders and coated electrodes), and solid state electrolytes for use in lithium-ion batteries. The company produces battery materials through a scalable and economical synthesis process, which is adaptable to different materials compositions and particle morphologies.

For more information, contact:
Ms. Krista Martin
+1 (732) 868‐3141
sales@neicorporation.com
###

View / Download Press Release (pdf)

January 21, 2015/by Krista

General News, Press Release, Services

Advanced Prototyping Service for Complex Electrospun Fibers Offered by NEI Corporation

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January 6, 2015

Somerset, New Jersey (USA): NEI Corporation announced today an expansion of its service for producing nanoscale and microscale fibers through electrospinning. Electrospinning is a technique to form fibers by the use of a voltage potential, drawing material out into a thin diameter and collecting it on a grounded platform. The electrospinning equipment at NEI allows for large areas of fiber mats – upwards of one square foot. Combined with a variety of characterization and testing equipment already available in-house, this can accelerate development of the customer’s technology into commercial materials. Electrospinning offers a commercially viable method for rapid prototyping of fibrous materials.

Silicone fiber fabricated using core-shell electrospinning technology developed at NEI: Project funded by a Fortune 50 Company. Inset: schematic of the etching process to yield silicone fibers.

Newly offered through NEI’s capabilities are two approaches which can be utilized for novel fiber production:

Multi-scale fibers which can range from a few hundred nanometers up to tens of micrometer.
Core-shell fibers which contain a different material for the wall of the fibers and another for the core.

NEI’s capabilities in electrospinning also include the ability to fabricate an assortment of different fibers, such as polymeric, ceramic, or metallic materials. Additionally, as part of expanding the scope of recent advancements in electrospinning, NEI can create tailored core-sheath fibers for production of composite fibers.

NEI can also assist the customer in identifying the special attributes of electrospun fibers and how to benefit from them. NEI has worked with other companies to elevate the technology readiness levels of new technologies and can provide direction in advancing fiber production as per the needs of the application. Characterization and tests can be carried out under applicable industry standards, such as American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). Given NEI’s vast experience in nanotechnology and materials synthesis, its electrospinning service enables the company to share its knowledge with customers through fabrication, testing, and analysis of its customer’s technologies with NEI’s state of the art equipment.

For more information on NEI’s electrospinning service, view the brochure.

About NEI Corporation:

Founded in 1997, NEI Corporation develops, manufactures, and distributes nanoscale materials for a broad range of industrial customers around the world. NEI’s products incorporate proprietary nanotechnology and advanced materials science to create significant performance improvements in manufactured goods. NEI’s products include advanced protective coatings, high performance battery electrode materials, and specialty nanoscale materials for diverse applications. NEI has created a strong foundation in the emerging field of nanotechnology that has enabled the company to become a leader in selected markets.

For more information, contact:

Ms. Krista Martin
(732) 868‐3141
sales@neicorporation.com
###

January 6, 2015/by Krista

Coating News, Press Release

NEI introduces NANOMYTE® SuperAi, a Durable Anti-ice Coating

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December 3, 2014

Somerset, New Jersey (USA): NEI Corporation announced today that it has introduced NANOMYTE® SuperAi – a nanocomposite coating that imparts anti-icing properties to the underlying substrate. The transparent coating also provides a hard, dense and smooth finish. Surfaces treated with SuperAi exhibit reduced ice adhesion, thereby preventing ice buildup. SuperAi can be applied to a variety of substrates, including plastics, metals, glass, and ceramics. In some instances, a suitable primer may be required for maximum adhesion of the anti-ice coating.

NANOMYTE® SuperAi is a single component coating that is easily applied by dip, spray, or brush. Potential applications include occurrences where ice removal is a challenge (e.g., wind turbine blades, power transmission lines and cables, windshields and other glass surfaces in automobiles). The coating also provides durability and additional corrosion protection. The figure below is an example of how SuperAi can eliminate ice buildup on a substrate.

SuperAi is uniquely engineered so that the treated surface becomes highly slippery and hydrophobic, which facilitates the reduction in ice adhesion. Data obtained so far by our customers and collaborators indicate that SuperAi is effective in mitigating buildup under icing conditions. For example, in a simulated industrial trial, ice accretion on coated and uncoated aluminum conductor cables were measured. The outside of one cable was coated with SuperAi. Both coated and uncoated conductors were subjected to icing conditions for two hours under a regulated spray of water and ice solution at fixed time intervals. Ice accumulation was determined by weighing the cables before and after the test. It was established, in multiple test runs, that the ice accretion was reduced to half with application of the coating. Similar results were obtained on sections of a wind turbine. In addition, in-house measurements of ice adhesion strength with a force gauge show that SuperAi reduces the adhesion tendency significantly.

NANOMYTE® SuperAi can be applied on clean surfaces using a commercial high volume, low pressure (HVLP) spray gun. The coating can also be applied using a roller or brush, where coating is done in a cross-pattern; left to right, then up and down as quickly as possible since the coating dries quickly. SuperAi can be cured at room temperature by exposing the coating to ambient conditions for 6 to 8 hours. Accelerated curing is achieved in 1 hour or less at temperatures in the range of 100 – 150°C. NANOMYTE® SuperAi is available in one liter bottles, 5 gallon pails, and 55 gallon drums.

About NEI Corporation:

NEI Corporation is an application-driven company that utilizes nanotechnology to develop and produce advanced materials. The company’s core competencies are in synthesizing nanoscale materials and prototyping products that incorporate the advanced materials. NEI offers an array of Advanced Protective Coatings for metal and polymer surfaces. The coatings have tailored functionalities such as anti-corrosion, self-healing, scratch resistance, ice-phobic, and self-cleaning.

For more information, contact:

Ms. Krista Martin
(732) 868‐3141
sales@neicorporation.com
###

December 3, 2014/by Krista

Coating News, Press Release

NEI Development Update on NANOMYTE® TC-5001, a Protective Coating for Zinc-Plated and Galvanized Steel

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November 5, 2014

Somerset, New Jersey (USA): NEI Corporation has issued a product update, following the successful introduction of NANOMYTE® TC‐5001 – a nanotechnology-enabled, anti-corrosion coating for zinc‐plated and hot‐dip galvanized (HDG) steel. TC-5001 is a nanostructured composite coating consisting of organic and inorganic phases. It can be used either as a standalone coating or with the water-based, self-healing pretreatment, NANOMYTE® PT-100. In its current form, TC-5001 can be applied on metallic parts that have a zinc-based finish. Recent developments on its effectiveness and usage are outlined below.

Field Trials

Over the past couple of years, TC-5001 and related products have found use in several applications in different industries. Examples include:

Automotive Components and Support Structures

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Automotive parts coated in-house were subjected to salt-spray testing (ASTM B117) for over 1,000 hours to test the effects of corrosion; the TC-5001-coated parts showed no signs of white rust. Additionally, parts plated with alloys of zinc and aluminum were also coated with TC-5001 and are currently undergoing field testing.

Examples of structural parts that can be coated with TC-5001 (or related products) for corrosion protection are shown on the right.

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Outdoor Structures

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NANOMYTE® TC-5001-coated structures provide significant corrosion protection while supporting power lines in service. The coating has been successfully demonstrated to protect electrical grid components still in service for several months to date.

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Hardware Components

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Various TC-5001-coated nuts, bolts, and screws were exposed outside for 5 continuous months and showed no visible signs of corrosion.

To the right is a pair of galvanized steel screws after 5 months of outside exposure. The uncoated screw (left) shows the emergence of white rust on the threads while the coated screw (right) is still protected.

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Ease of Application and Curing

TC-5001 is amenable to dipping, brushing, and spraying. The ease of application of the coating is illustrated in the following video: Applying TC-5001

Methods of Application

Spraying: The coating is applied on clean surfaces using a commercial high volume, low pressure (HVLP) spray gun. Touchup spraying can be carried out to protect small pieces or tight locations using a touch up sprayer.
Rolling: Coating is done in a cross-pattern; left to right, then up and down as quickly as possible since the coating dries quickly.
Brushing: Brush application is carried out in a cross-pattern; up and down, then left to right.

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Faster Curing

A new development that was requested by metal finishers was to accelerate the curing of TC-5001. For applications requiring faster cure times, the coating can be brought to “dry to the touch” conditions in a matter of 5 to 10 seconds with thermal curing at 150°C to 200°C. This facilitates easy incorporation of the coating in a production line with continuous moving parts on a conveyer. Once the coating is dry to touch (partially cured), subsequent coatings can be applied and cured together.

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Related Products

NANOMYTE® PT-100 – Self-healing Pretreatment

This waterborne pretreatment improves adhesion and minimizes white & red rust formation when used in conjunction with TC-5001.

NANOMYTE® SR-500EC – Introduction of Hydrophobicity

In order to further enhance the degree of protection provided to metal parts, NANOMYTE® SR-500EC has been introduced. It is a transparent coating designed to provide easy-to-clean surfaces. The product is a nanostructured composite consisting of organic and inorganic phases and provides a hard, dense, and smooth coating finish. SR-500EC strongly adheres to metal, glass, and ceramic surfaces, and resists scratching and chipping. Additionally, it has superior water repellency and soil resistance. The hydrophobicity of the coating can be tailored as per application requirements. The coating is a single component product that is easily applied by dip, spray or brush and can be cured at room temperature. Currently, SR-500EC is undergoing field trials on metal, glass, and polymer surfaces where both anti-corrosion and hydrophobic properties are desired.

About NEI Corporation:

NEI Corporation is an application-driven company that utilizes nanotechnology to develop and produce advanced materials. The company’s core competencies are in synthesizing nanoscale materials and prototyping products that incorporate the advanced materials. NEI offers an array of Advanced Protective Coatings for metal and polymer surfaces. The coatings have tailored functionalities such as anti-corrosion, self-healing, scratch resistance, ice-phobic, and self-cleaning.

For more information, contact:

Ms. Krista Martin
NEI Corporation
(732) 868‐3141
sales@neicorporation.com
###

November 5, 2014/by Krista

General News, Press Release

NEI Launches Online Store for Ceramic Labware

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October 16, 2014

Somerset, New Jersey (USA): NEI Corporation is proud to announce that it will now be distributing ANTS Ceramics Labware. ANTS Ceramics is one of the premium manufacturers of high quality ceramic labware in India. As the sole distributor of ANTS labware in the Americas, NEI will offer cylindrical, conical and high-form crucibles, boats, discs, plates and trays, at a competitive price (more than 50% less than top U.S. brands).

To make ordering easy, NEI has set up an online store for purchasing the labware products below:

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Alumina Boats »

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Alumina Crucibles »

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Alumina Discs »

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Other Labware »

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Additional Products

The following additional labware below are also available by special order through our contact / quote request form:

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Alumina Labware »

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Quartz Labware »

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Thermal Analysis Pans »

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About ANTS Labware

ANTS Ceramics 99.7% Alumina Labware is made from Almatis GmbH Alumina imported from Germany. The labware is made by slip casting process and special care is taken to maintain the purity of the sintered Alumina to be above 99.7%.

About NEI Corporation

Founded in 1997, NEI Corporation develops, manufactures, and distributes nanoscale materials for a broad range of industrial customers around the world. NEI’s products incorporate proprietary nanotechnology and advanced materials science to create significant performance improvements in manufactured goods. NEI’s products include advanced protective coatings, high performance battery electrode materials, and specialty nanoscale materials for diverse applications. NEI has created a strong foundation in the emerging field of nanotechnology that has enabled the company to become a leader in selected markets.

For more information, contact:
Ms. Krista Martin
NEI Corporation
(732) 868‐3141
sales@neicorporation.com
###

October 16, 2014/by Krista

Battery News, Press Release

NEI Corporation and PneumatiCoat Technologies Sign Agreement to Jointly Develop and Market New Materials for Lithium-ion Batteries

September 9, 2014

Somerset, New Jersey (USA) – NEI Corporation (NEI) and PneumatiCoat Technologies (PCT) have initiated a collaboration to develop, produce, and market coated battery materials – cathodes, anodes, and solid electrolytes. The partnership will help serve the needs of customers interested in enhancing the performance of batteries through the use of Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) coatings of active material particles. Key features of ALD-coated particles include improved cycle life, enhanced safety, and greater stability and abuse tolerance, particularly under higher temperature and voltage operation.

NEI Corporation has been a long trusted source for customized cathode and anode materials used in lithium batteries. The company specializes in developing new compositions and particle morphologies, including nanoscale particle engineering. NEI also has extensive battery research and characterization facility, which includes multi-channel cell testers. PneumatiCoat Technologies is a pioneer in autonomous coating systems that allow for high-rate manufacturing of ALD protected particles used in batteries and related energy storage devices. The ALD platform was originally developed in Europe, and PCT is now facilitating the transition of the ALD platform from slow and expensive to economical, robust and industrially-viable.

The NEI–PCT agreement allows customers access to ALD coatings on a variety of battery material compositions, including mixed metal oxides (Lithium Manganese Nickel Oxide – LMNO, NMC, LMO, NCA); phosphates, silicates, titanates, sulfides, graphite and silicon-based active materials. Customers have the flexibility to not only investigate new compositions and chemistries, but also consider the use of different ALD coatings, both passive and lithium-ion conducting. The NEI–PCT relationship provides customers with access to the technology cost-effectively.

Click here to see what ALD-coated battery materials can do for you (pdf) »

Download Press Release (pdf) »

About NEI Corporation:

NEI Corporation is an application driven company that utilizes nanotechnology to develop and produce advanced materials. The company’s core competencies are in synthesizing nanoscale materials and prototyping products that incorporate the advanced materials. NEI Corporation offers cathode and anode materials (both powders and coated electrodes), and solid state electrolytes for use in lithium-ion batteries. The company produces battery materials through a scalable and economical synthesis process, which is adaptable to different materials compositions and particle morphologies. NEI’s products are sold under the registered trademark NANOMYTE®.

About PneumatiCoat Technologies LLC:
PneumatiCoat Technologies is the exclusive manufacturer of Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) systems that operate using the low-cost spatial ALD production process, a must-have for integrating surface-customized materials into differentiated products in a cost-effective manner. The powder-on-demand system uses the principles of lean manufacturing to produce ALD-coated particles and objects. PCT provides services, systems, and products to support product customization and continuous improvement initiatives across a wide array of industries, and its innovative IP portfolio also includes exclusive rights to develop and manufacture ALD-enabled battery materials. PCT uses the trade name PICOSHIELD™.

For more information, contact us.

September 9, 2014/by Krista

Battery News, Press Release

NEI Corporation Initiates Development of Water-based Lithium-ion Batteries

May 20, 2014

Somerset, New Jersey (USA) – NEI Corporation is developing a lithium-ion battery where the electrolytes are dissolved in water instead of an organic solvent. The aqueous-based lithium-ion battery has the potential to eliminate the risks associated with state of the art lithium-ion batteries, where the organic solvents are highly flammable. In the event of a battery overcharge or a short circuit, the organic solvents pose serious safety hazards. A number of cases of lithium batteries catching fire have been reported in recent years. Aqueous-based lithium-ion batteries also have the potential to significantly reduce cost, measured in terms of $/kWh.

Environmentally-friendly, non-flammable, Li-Ion batteries

While the concept of a lithium-ion cell using a water-based electrolyte has been known and studied, a major limitation is the narrow electrochemical stability window for water, which restricts the cell voltage. For example, the electrochemical stability window for water is within the range of 0 to 1.25V; electrolysis of water occurs outside this voltage range. In contrast, organic solvent-based electrolytes are stable up to at least 4V. The lower the cell voltage is, the lower the energy density is, and consequently, water-based lithium-ion batteries have had low energy densities. Recently, scientists and engineers at NEI Corporation have developed new materials concepts that can overcome the voltage stability issue of water-based lithium-ion systems. The innovations pertain to the composition and morphology of the materials used in the lithium-ion cell. The aqueous-based technology is being developed with funding from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program.

NEI has been a long trusted source for customized cathode and anode materials used in lithium batteries. The company specializes in developing new compositions and particle morphologies, including nanoscale particle engineering and surface modification. NEI’s MATCH service – Materials Analysis, Testing and Characterization – also plays a critical role in assisting new materials development. NEI has an extensive battery characterization and research facility, which includes multi-channel cell testers, as well as conventional and customized electrode material manufacturing capabilities using both solid state and solution-based methods. By offering cost-effective products, comprehensive materials development, characterization, & electrochemical testing services to its customers, NEI is able to accommodate to a variety of customer needs.

NEI Corporation welcomes the opportunity to partner with a battery manufacturer to co-develop, test and qualify the water-based lithium-ion batteries.

Download Press Release (pdf)

About NEI Corporation:

NEI Corporation is an application driven company that utilizes nanotechnology to develop and produce advanced materials. The company’s core competencies are in synthesizing nanoscale materials and prototyping products that incorporate the advanced materials. NEI Corporation offers cathode and anode materials (both powders and coated electrodes), and solid state electrolytes for use in lithium-ion batteries. The company produces battery materials through a scalable and economical synthesis process, which is adaptable to different materials compositions and particle morphologies.

For more information, contact us.

May 20, 2014/by Krista

Coating News, Press Release

NANOMYTE® SuperCN Plus – A New Generation of Durable Superhydrophobic Coatings

March 26, 2014

Somerset, New Jersey – NEI Corporation announced today that it has introduced NANOMYTE® SuperCN Plus – a functionally graded coating that imparts superhydrophobic properties to the underlying substrate while providing greater abrasion resistance compared to existing superhydrophobic coatings. Surfaces treated with SuperCN Plus force liquids to bead up and roll off, shedding water instantly and leaving the surface completely dry. SuperCN Plus can be applied to a variety of substrate materials, including plastics, metals, glass, painted surfaces, and fabrics.

NANOMYTE® SuperCN Plus consists of a hard and abrasion resistant outer layer that transitions to a softer material closer to the substrate. Such a functionally graded coating represents a major advancement in the state of the art and is in sharp contrast to monolithic superhydrophobic coatings that consist of a relatively soft material that is easily abraded or rubbed away.

Figure 1 – Both panels above were coated with superhydrophobic coatings and subjected to equal abrasion conditions. The panel on the left (conventional off-the-shelf coating) shows abrasion marks, while the panel on the right (SuperCN Plus) shows no visible signs of wear.

Superhydrophobic coatings rely on creating and maintaining a composite of micro and nano-sized surface structures that work together to trap a layer of air that can repel most liquids. Off-the-shelf superhydrophobic coatings tend to have poor durability because they are unable to protect these delicate surface structures from abrasion, resulting in rapid loss of superhydrophobicity. Due to the graded structure, SuperCN Plus maintains its superhydrophobicity and high contact angle even after moderate damage. Additionally, it exhibits good adhesion to the substrate.

Surfaces treated with SuperCN Plus show water contact angles as high as 165°. After moderate abrasion, where traditional superhydrophobic coatings begin to show significant damage and delamination, SuperCN Plus remains intact and has been shown to preserve its superhydrophobicity with contact angles over 158°.

Figure 2 – Water droplets on a metal substrate surface coated with NANOMYTE® SuperCN Plus, showing a high contact angle > 150°.

Since the superhydrophobic coating is enabled by innovations in both process and materials, NEI is currently offering in-house coating services for industrial applications wherein customers can send parts of any geometry and size. The turnaround time is expected to be no more than 3 – 5 business days. If needed, the modular Super CN Plus coating process can be transferred to the OEM site.

For a video demonstration, view here.

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About NEI Corporation:

NEI Corporation is an application-driven company that utilizes nanotechnology to develop and produce advanced materials. The company’s core competencies are in synthesizing nanoscale materials and prototyping products that incorporate the advanced materials. NEI offers an array of Advanced Protective Coatings for metal and polymer surfaces. The coatings have tailored functionalities such as anti-corrosion, self-healing, scratch resistance, ice-phobic, and self-cleaning.

For more information, contact us.

March 26, 2014/by Krista