In a Thomas Edison style testing, Wildcat Discovery Technologies tested more than 3000 materials in an effort to make a better battery. The self proclaimed "Discovery Engine," the team at Wildcat, rapidly synthesized and tested approximately 1300 unique non-organic materials each week for 8 months.
The result were the materials EM1, a 5-volt electrolyte, and CM1, a high voltage cathode. The output brings 25% in gravimetric energy density, and a 61% in volumetric energy density in the electrode. These percentages are compared to the most efficient battery available today. Cells at 5V also bring 675 Wh per kilogram. The major benefit here is the 5V potential. Most lithium-ion batteries, for example, cap out at 4.2V. In most cases they are even lower.
These new materials were just announced, so their longevity has yet to be determined. Lithium-ion batteries lose 20% capacity per year at room temperature, and even greater at higher temperatures. Let's hope Wildcat's chemistry lasts longer.
Wildcat is funded by CMEA Ventures, 5AM Ventures, and the Virgin Green Fund. They also received a grant from ARPA-E program. After the finalizing of this battery technology, Wildcat seeks to license out and/or partner with others to continue research. Wildcat has a deep interest in the automotive industry, and plans to make inexpensive battery alternatives.
Eavesdropper