UBCO researchers teaming up with BC company to build next-gen batteries

UBC Okanagan researchers are working with a private company to develop a smaller and more powerful battery.

They plan to do it using raw materials readily available in the region.

Their goal is to make a tellurium-based cathode, a tiny device used to create lithium-tellurium batteries.

The batteries have high energy density as well as a high safety rating.

It comes as demand for smaller and more powerful batteries grows thanks to the evolution of portable devices and electric cars.

Jian Liu, an assistant professor in the School of Engineering at UBC Okanagan, explained: “Improvements are necessary thanks to many other emerging devices such as medical implants, wireless sensors and radio-frequency identification

“Due to the limited space and high reliability requirements in these new devices, researchers are exploring technologies that possess high-energy density and more stable configurations.”

The research is being conducted in collaboration with Fenix Advanced Materials, a company based in Trail.

Don Feschi, its CEO, said he is keen to see a boost to the area’s economy.

“We want to utilize and add value to the raw materials readily available in our region especially from Fenix, Teck, Retriev, Eagle Graphite and Deer Horn,” he said.

“This can stimulate our rural economy and advance our technological capability through circular economy.”