Nanostructured cathode materials for alkaline and lithium rechargeable batteries

US Nanocorp, Inc. is pioneering the synthesis of nanostructured active battery materials by a novel aqueous solution reaction (ASR) process that is inherently low cost and scalable to volume production. Strategies for the production of high energy content battery electrodes are discussed. The growth mechanism for the unusual morphology of a "bird's-nest"-type MnO/sub 2/, or Filox/sup TM/, is described. We review preliminary evaluation of the electrochemical activity of Al-doped Ni(OH)/sub 2/ for alkaline rechargeable batteries and the hollandite form of MnO/sub 2/ for application in rechargeable lithium batteries.