NIOBIUM: magic metal for battery anodes?

Increased cell capacity and rapid recharging in thermal extremes are potential benefits of electrode chemistries fortified by the humble element Nb.

The element niobium (Nb), a transition metal, stands ready to improve the performance of one of the lithium-ion battery's confusing array of possible electrode chemistries - the LTO (lithium titanium oxide) anode, which after graphite is the second most-produced.

During battery charging, lithium ions leave the positive cathode and move through the battery's electrolyte to take up positions of higher energy in the anode. During discharge, this process reverses and drives electrons through an external circuit to power the load. Most desired in an anode is large surface area in which a great number of lithium ions can take positions, giving potential for high energy storage. Also desirable is an open structure offering little resistance to the movement of ions, to allow rapid charge/discharge without excess heating.