Carbon dioxide neutral ion in the tank instead of bothersome environment petrol or diesel? The electric motor for automobile propulsion is no future long ago. Darmstadt, December 09, 2009 – just powerful and long-lasting car power storage supply vehicles with sufficient energy for longer distances. Merck’s researchers recently developed one of the most important components for: electrolytes for lithium-ion batteries of the next generation. The use and the development of alternative automobile drives are among the central topics of the present. Environmental protection has finally moved into the consciousness of the industry, Green Energy\”is considered key for a clean future. Also the rising cost of gasoline and diesel fuel can be louder call for power-driven vehicles.

One of the biggest challenges in the production of vehicles with hybrid or electric motor is to develop of more efficient electricity storage. New materials and chemicals are the key. As a result, the pharmaceutical and chemical company Merck invested in a the same research and advocating for the development of more efficient power saving. This research project are part of three funded projects. In the framework of the project of Lina core\”, Merck researchers develop novel electrolytes using their energy density and durability of lithium-ion batteries in hybrid or electric vehicles could be increased substantially. In a further cooperation with the University of Erlangen, the Merck experts develop their electrolytes: by suitable additives they improve it so that the electrodes in the required temperature range of minus 25 to plus 80 degrees Celsius is work. In the project of Li-five\”, it comes to develop cells with a voltage of 5 volts. It is important to increase the energy density of the battery and thus the range of electric cars.

All three projects are in collaboration with renowned partners. Dr. Michael Schmidt, project manager lithium-ion batteries at Merck, explains how important the close intermeshing of Merck with the partners of the Research projects: the correct interaction of all components is important.