Matsushita Mass-Produces Safer Li-Ion Batteries

Matsushita Electric Industrial, best known for its Panasonic brand, today announced the establishment of a mass-production system for a lithium-ion battery that incorporates the heat resistance layer (HRL) technology. The HRL has enabled Matsushita to increase energy density and mass-produce safer lithium-ion batteries, the Matsushita’s press release says.

The company began shipping the industry’s first 2.9 Ah high capacity batteries in April this year and is now ready to mass-produce those products made for use with devices such as laptops, mobile phones and digital cameras.

“Matsushita has succeeded in improving the safety by forming a heat resistance layer consisting of an insulating metal oxide on the surface of the electrodes. Lithium-ion batteries contain a thin polyolefin separator to insulate the cathode from the anode. When a separator is pierced by an electrically conductive material such as a metal particle, a short-circuit develops, causing the battery to overheat and, in the worst case, catch fire. The HRL used in the Panasonic battery, however, has better insulating and heat-resistant characteristics than polyolefin. Even if a short-circuit occurs, it will cease without causing the battery to overheat,” according to Matsushita.