At PreScouter, we help Fortune 500 clients quickly get up-to-speed on what they need to know to understand their options. PreScouter's Inquiry Service is a new, custom approach to ask science-based questions with a Ph.D. researcher through a brief video call. The results are debriefed in a meeting within two business days. This app provides clients with technically relevant, actionable information to further business objectives on a recurring basis. In this inquiry, a client needed to identify Pre-Series B (or research teams) in the battery space that has a proprietary technology. PreScouter found 13 different batteries. Very soon, we should see a massive change in the ability to safely store and release power. Batteries explored include, but are not limited to: solid-state lithium-ion batteries, magnesium batteries, graphene car batteries, laser-made micro-supercapacitors, Na Ion batteries, and one of the fastest battery packs, LumoPack. PreScouter concluded this R&D injury with suggested next steps.

1. PRESCOUTER
Disruptive Battery
Technologies
Date: April 14, 2017
Justin Schaefer, PhD
Project Architect
PreScouter, Inc.
Ezinne Achinivu, PhD
Research Scholar
North Carolina State University
Your personal research team

2. Inquiry
Identify Pre-Series B companies (or research teams) in the battery space that
possess some kind of proprietary technology or other attractive feature that may
explode on the market

3. Key Findings
There are several advanced energy storage and delivery technologies in either
development or production right now. Very soon, we should see a massive change
in the ability to safely store and release power.
1. New Catalyst for Lithium-Air Breathing Batteries
2. Gold Nanowire Batteries
3. Magnesium Batteries
4. Solid State Lithium-Ion Batteries
5. Graphenano - Graphene Car Batteries
6. Laser-Made Micro-supercapacitors
7. RS2E - Na Ion Battery
8. Prieto - Foam Batteries
9. Alfa Battery
10. Jenax - Flexible Lithium Polymer Battery (J . FLEX)
11. LumoPack - Fastest Charging Battery Pack
12. Ubeam - Ultrasound Chargers
13. Arkyne Technologies - Bioo plant charger

4. New Catalyst for Lithium-Air Breathing Batteries
Researchers from University of Texas, Dallas (in collaboration with Seoul National
University), have discovered a new catalyst materials for lithium-air batteries that
has potential for expanding the battery capacity.
This new system is based on soluble-type catalysts or redox mediators (RMs). In
this study, they demonstrate that they are critical in reducing the overpotential
and improving the stability of Li–O2 cells, respectively.
Figure: Role of RM for Li–O2 batteries. a, Schematic illustration of the reaction mechanism of RM for Li–O2 batteries. During the
charge, RM (blue circles) are oxidized near the electrode surface (step 1, electrochemical reaction), then RM+ (red circles) chemically
oxidize Li2O2 to 2Li+ (green circle) and O2 gas (orange circles). Finally, RM+ is reduced to the initial state of RM (step 2, chemical
reaction). b, Schematic discharge (black line) and charge profiles of Li–O2 batteries with (blue line) and without RM (red line).

5. New Catalyst for Lithium-Air Breathing Batteries
(cont’d)
Additionally they, propose a general principle for designing feasible catalysts
using the RM dimethylphenazine (DMPZ) as the most effective catalyst among the
candidates and they investigated its catalytic activity in a practical Li–O2 cell.
References:
1. https://www.nature.com/articles/nenergy201666
2. https://www.utdallas.edu/news/2016/5/23-32059_Discovery-Could-Energize-Development-
of-Longer-Las_story-wide.html
Figure: Effects of DMPZ as a catalyst for Li–O2
batteries. a, Ex situ XRD patterns of Li–O2 cells
using a DMPZ catalyst: as-prepared, after
discharge, and after re-charge. b, GITT voltage
profile of a Li–O2 cell using a DMPZ catalyst
during discharge (blue) and charge (red). The
dotted line is the theoretical formation voltage of
Li2O2 (2.96 V versus Li/Li+ ) and the inset
presents a voltage versus time plot. c–e, FESEM
images of the air electrode: as-prepared (c), and
after discharge (d) and re-charge (e) at the same
magnification.

6. Gold Nanowire Batteries
University of California, Irvine researchers have invented nanowire-based battery
material that can be recharged hundreds of thousands of times, thereby,
advancing battery technology to one that would never require replacement.
Their research study demonstrates reversible cycle stability for up to 200 000
cycles with 94–96% average Coulombic efficiency for symmetrical δ-MnO2
nanowire capacitors operating across a 1.2 V voltage window in a poly(methyl
methacrylate) (PMMA) gel electrolyte.
The nanowires investigated here have a Au@δ-MnO2 core@shell architecture in
which a central gold nanowire current collector is surrounded by an
electrodeposited layer of δ-MnO2 that has a thickness of between 143 and 300
nm.

7. Gold Nanowire Batteries (cont’d)
Identical capacitors operating in the absence of PMMA (propylene carbonate
(PC), 1.0 M LiClO4) show dramatically reduced cycle stabilities ranging from 2000
to 8000 cycles. In the liquid PC electrolyte, the δ-MnO2 shell fractures,
delaminates, and separates from the gold nanowire current collector. These
deleterious processes are not observed in the PMMA electrolyte.
References:
1. http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acsenergylett.6b00029
2. https://news.uci.edu/research/all-powered-up/

8. Magnesium Batteries
Researchers at Toyota have found a special material that could be used in the
electrolyte formula needed to make Magnesium based batteries into a reality. This
development could lead to smaller and longer life batteries, as well as greater
density for more charge
Unlocking the full potential of rechargeable magnesium batteries has been
partially hindered by the reliance on chloride-based complex systems, which are
corrosive toward metallic battery components and reduce their practical
electrochemical window.
Researchers at Toyota utilize boron cluster anions, monocarborane CB11H12 to
produce the first halogen-free, simple-type Mg salt that is compatible with Mg
metal and displays an oxidative stability surpassing that of ether solvents.

9. Magnesium Batteries (cont’d)
Due to its inertness and non-corrosive nature, the Mg(CB11H12)2/tetraglyme
(MMC/G4) electrolyte system permits standardized methods of high-voltage
cathode testing that uses a typical coin cell.
Figure: Mg cation coordination environment in 4
(A) and 5 (B). Ellipsoids are set at 50%
probability; hydrogen atoms are omitted for
clarity
References:
1. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/wol1/doi/10.1002/anie.201412202/abstract
2. http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/137556-toyota-cracks-magnesium-
batteries-for-longer-lasting-smaller-devices

10. Solid State Lithium-Ion Batteries
Apart from Magnesium batteries, Toyota is also developing solid-state Lithium-Ion Batteries. Compared
with lithium-ion batteries with liquid electrolytes, all-solid-state batteries offer an attractive option owing
to their potential in improving the safety and achieving both high power and high energy densities.
In this research article, researchers report lithium superionic conductors with an exceptionally high
conductivity (25 mS cm−1 for Li9.54Si1.74P1.44S11.7Cl0.3), as well as high stability (∼0 V versus Li metal
for Li9.6P3S12).
A fabricated all-solid-state cell based on this lithium conductor is found to have very small internal
resistance, especially at 100 ◦C. The cell possesses high specific power that is superior to that of
conventional cells with liquid electrolytes. Stable cycling with a high current density of 18 C
(charging/discharging in just three minutes; where C is the C-rate) is also demonstrated.
References:
1. http://www.nature.com/articles/nenergy201630

11. Graphenano - Graphene Car Batteries
Graphenano, has developed a new battery, called Grabat, that could offer electric
cars a driving range of up to 500 miles on a charge.
The batteries can be charged to full in just a few minutes and it can charge and
discharge 33 times faster than lithium ion. The capacity of the 2.3V Grabat is huge
with around 1000 Wh/kg which compares to lithium ion's current 180 Wh/kg.
References:
1. http://graphenano.com/en/grabat-energy/

12. Laser-Made Micro-supercapacitors
Rice University researchers who pioneered the development of laser-induced graphene have configured
their discovery into flexible, solid-state micro-supercapacitors that rival the best available for energy
storage and delivery.
By using lasers to burn electrode patterns into sheets of plastic, manufacturing costs and effort drop
massively. The result is a battery that can charge 50 times faster than current batteries and discharge
even slower than current supercapacitors. They're even tough, able to work after being bent over 10,000
times in testing.
References:
1. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/wol1/doi/10.1002/adma.201503333/abstract
2. https://phys.org/news/2015-12-scientists-microsupercapacitors.html
Fabrication and the structural
morphology of the LIG–MnO 2 –
MSC. a) Scheme of the fabrication
of MSCs with LIG–MnO 2, which is
similar to the formation of LIG–
FeOOH, or LIG–PANI. 1, 2, 3, and
4 are epoxy adhesive, silver paste,
Kapton tape and copper tape,
respectively.

13. RS2E - Na Ion Battery
Within the framework of RS2E, a CNRS research network initiated by the Ministry
of Higher Education and Research in 2011; CEA, CNRS and Universities’ labs
worked together to produce the first Na-ion (sodium-ion) battery in the «18650»
format, an industry-grade format.
Sodium batteries are complementary to lithium batteries but are also a potential
replacement for some specific uses.
They will benefit from a lower cost thanks to, most notably, the abundance of
sodium.
The energy density performance (90Wh/kg) are above the expectations
especially considering the excellent cycle life (at least 2.000
charge/discharge cycles).

14. RS2E - Na Ion Battery (cont’d)
The exact method of build and how it works are being kept secret but the 6.5cm
battery can manage 90 watt-hours per kilogram, making it comparable to lithium-
ion but with a 2000 cycle lifespan, which should be improved.
References:
1. http://www.energie-rs2e.com/en/news/na-ion-batteries-promising-prototype

15. Prieto - Foam Batteries
The Prieto battery is a patent-pending architecture designed around a porous
copper structure (copper foam). The copper foam is approximately 98% air, or
void space and the structure is conformally coated by an ultra-thin polymer
electrolyte and then surrounded by a cathode matrix.
The result is a three-dimensionally structured lithium-ion battery composed of
interpenetrating electrodes with extremely short Li+ diffusion distances and a
power density that is orders of magnitude greater than comparable two-
dimensional architectures in use today.

16. Prieto - Foam Batteries (cont’d)
Due to an increase in surface area of approximately 60X, Prieto’s foam battery is
expected to have power densities reaching 14,000 W/L while maintaining energy
densities of 650 Wh/L. The foam battery will be customizable, capable of being
optimized for either power density or energy density.
References:
1. http://www.prietobattery.com/how-it-works-2/foam/

17. Alfa Battery
Japanese company Fuji Pigment has developed an aluminium-air battery which it
is calling Alfa. It will charge via water and should be available as soon as spring
this year.
The Alfa battery can be filled with salty or non-salty water in order to replenish
charge. The company claims the cells work "for minimum 14 days by refilling salty
water or normal water occasionally." The battery capacity is theoretically 40
times as large as current lithium-ion batteries. The major problem holding back
this battery was corrosion but that has been overcome by placing ceramic and
carbonaceous materials between aqueous electrolyte and electrodes.

18. Alfa Battery (cont’d)
The the aluminium-air battery has a capacity of about 8,100W/kg capacity, which
is significantly higher than the state of art lithium-ion (120-200Wh/kg). However, it
is still slightly lower than lithium-air that comes out on top with 11,400Wh/kg.
The Alfa aluminium-air batteries are expected to be used in cars soon.
References:
1. http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/132529-alfa-battery-
lasts-14-days-runs-on-normal-water-and-is-out-later-this-
year

19. Jenax - Flexible Lithium Polymer Battery (J . FLEX)
J.Flex is an innovative flexible battery by Jenax. It utilizes a gel polymer electrolyte
for rapid movement of lithium ions. The battery does not overheat, has a high
energy density, low internal resistance and is stable even with bending fatigue
Key Benefits Include:
1. Flexibility: J.Flex can be bent or rolled to enhance the flexibility of next
generation devices. The test below tracks the charge and discharge
performance of batteries in two different states: non-bending and dynamic
bending (10,000 bends from flat to 20mm in radius)

20. Jenax - Flexible Lithium Polymer Battery (J . FLEX)
(cont’d)
2. Design: With J.Flex, a new level of customization is possible. A designer can
now use new shapes and sizes not otherwise possible without minimizing
performance.
3. Performance: J.Flex ensures outstanding performance for any device.
4. Safety: J.Flex is in compliance with international standards to ensure safety
for all applications.
Applications
● IT Wearables: Smart Watch, Smart Glasses: Headset
● Health: Fitness Band, Medical Device
● Fashion: Smart Apparel. Accessories, Footwear
● Military: GPS Tracker, Military Helmet, Wearable Robot
References:
1. http://jenaxinc.com/product/batteries/

21. LumoPack - Fastest Charging Battery Pack
The Lumopack is a fast charging portable battery that can fill up in just 6 minutes
with enough to charge a device like an iPhone 6 fully. The Lumopack, from Lyte
Systems, will be fully charged in just 30-minutes. This is thanks to its charge rate at
140W, making it double the nearest competitor.
The Lumopack is available from $90 (which is about £63) as of 2017.
References:
1. http://lytesystems.com/company-
introduction/

22. Ubeam - Ultrasound Chargers
With pioneering ultrasound technology, uBeam creates an aura of safe, wireless energy that charges
your personal devices, keeping them all in perfect orbit. We are building the energy infrastructure of the
future, helping us all cut the cords once and for all.
How it Works: Ubeam technology starts with a transmitter that emits high frequency sound, which is
inaudible to humans and pets. Humans can only hear sonic frequencies between 20 Hz and 20 kHz.
UBeam emits sound far above the upper limit of human hearing, defined as ultrasound. UBeam emits
targeted, focused power directly to receivers actively requesting power. When the requests stop, power
delivery ceases. Like a microphone, the receiver picks up the sound and converts it into usable electrical
energy using our proprietary energy-harvesting technology.
References:
1. https://ubeam.com/technology/

23. Arkyne Technologies - Bioo plant charger
The Bioo plant charger is a plant pot that harnesses the power of photosynthesis
to charge a device — a tablet or phone.
Bioo offers two to three charges per day at 3.5V and 0.5A via a USB port that's
cleverly disguised as a rock. The pot uses organic materials that react with the
water and organic matter from the plant's photosynthesising. This creates a
reaction that generates enough power to charge gadgets.
References:
1. https://www.arkynetechnologies.com/home

24. Suggested Next Steps
The technologies in this presentation range from TRLs 3-4 to 8-9. We are currently
witnessing a revolution in energy storage and delivery that will change the face of
technology forever.
To fully understand the intricacies of these technologies and their relative merits
and demerits, a full technology portfolio would be necessary.

25. PreScouter’s Inquiry Service
PreScouter helps Fortune 500 clients quickly get up-to-speed on what they need
to know to understand their options. PreScouter's Inquiry Service is a new, custom
approach to ask science-based questions with a Ph.D. researcher through a brief
video call. The results are debriefed in a meeting within two business days. This
app provides clients with technically relevant, actionable information to further
business objectives on a recurring basis.
For more information about R&D research and this inquiry service, please email
info@prescouter.com and visit www.PreScouter.com.