UiTM researchers aim to accelerate the innovation of Li-ionBatteries through the development of high-capacity cathode materials potentially for electric vehicles (EV)

Around the world, governments and automakers are promoting electric vehicles (EVs) as a key technology to curb oil use and fight climate change. However, the price of an EV is expensive and not everyone can afford it. Thus, a great effort needs to be made to make EVs affordable for everybody. The cost of EVs could be reduced by lowering cobalt content in the cathode materials of Li-ion batteries (LIBs).

UiTM embarks on a project on the development of high-capacity Ni-rich cathode materials to enhance the performance of Li-ion batteries. This project is funded by PETRONAS Research Sdn Bhd for the duration of two years. Over RM1.85 million has been allocated to materialise the idea involving researchers from UiTM’s Faculty of Applied Sciences and Institute of Science.

“We envision that this project would spur more local innovations to improve the LiBs performance via the development of Ni-rich cathode materials. Specifically, we intend to produce cathode materials that contain less cobalt but have a high nickel content. Such approach will significantly reduce the cost of the cathode materials paralelly enhance the capacity of cathode materials. The work includes the synthesis of Ni-rich cathode materials, involving the fabrication of pouch cell batteries and their performance measurements. A promising rechargeable battery that can be sustained for a long period of time and recharged and discharged efficiently is the expected output of this project” -Ts. ChM. Dr Muhd Firdaus Bin Kasim, Faculty of Applied Sciences & Institute of Science.

This project is in line with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals and the university’s strategic plan towards becoming a globally renowned university by 2025.

Congratulations to all the recipients!