Exxon's Tonen now producing lithium ion separator film

Another company has entered the race to build a better electrolyte separator for lithium ion batteries.

ExxonMobil chemical's affiliate Tonen Chemical Corporation today said it's now producing innovative new microporous films for hybrid and electric vehicles batteries on a commercial line.

The films are designed to meet the safety, reliability and power performance requirements of lithium-ion batteries (LIB) used in these applications, the company said.

The separators are produced using a new wet, bi-orientation manufacturing process. The new films are co-extruded using specially tailored, high heat resistant polymers for improved separator properties, as described by the company.

The advanced performance separators exhibit a unique combination of properties including enhanced permeability, higher meltdown temperature and melt integrity, without compromising the shutdown temperature and mechanical strength. The higher meltdown temperature significantly increases the film’s thermal safety margin, it said.

"Separator quality and safety and supply reliability are critical considerations for battery and automotive manufacturers to support the rapidly developing HEV/EV market,” said Jim Harris, senior vice president of ExxonMobil Chemical. "Producing these next-generation separators on our commercial lines positions us well to meet the growing market needs.”

Last month, Colorado-based Porous Power announced it had developed a new ultraporous polymer material for separating the electrodes of lithium ion batteries. The innovation allows batteries to charge up to 50% faster, provide up to three times more high rate capacity and double their cycle life, the company claimed. Porous is not yet in commercial production. For more details, see the Cleantech Group's Keiretsu cleantech contenders.

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