Li-ion batteries: news, progress, history and background

Press release, August 29; Eric Mah, DIGITIMES [Wednesday 29 August 2007] Greater China is one of the largest manufacturing centers for lithium batteries, with China accounting for 16.9% and Taiwan for 5.6% of worldwide production, according to market research firm Research and Markets (RM). Greater China makers produce primary (non-rechargeable) and secondary (rechargeable) lithium batteries, noted RM, adding that some of the lithium battery makers in the region produce lithium battery cells – the basic component of a battery or battery pack. These makers are large-scale companies that also supply battery cells to other lithium battery manufacturers, added the firm. Production of rechargeable lithium batteries in China is expected to rise by 11% from 950 million units in 2006 to 1 billion units in 2007, according to the China Industrial Association of Power Sources (CIAPS). Most manufacturers plan to increase their production by up to 50% in the next two years and those already running

Sony is now licensed to use 3M technology in its batteries - Jul. 30, 2007 NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- 3M Co. said Monday it has reached agreement in patent settlement with Sony Corp. over the technology in a type of battery used in laptop computers and cell phones. St. Paul, Minn.-based 3M said in a statement that Sony's Sony Electronics unit is now a licensed source of lithium ion batteries containing 3M cathode technology. Specific terms of the settlement are confidential, 3M said. Sony was not immediately available for comment. 3M said the patent dispute against Sony and other companies was filed in the U.S. District Court for Minnesota and the United States International Trade Commission in March. The company said it holds patents on cathode materials containing nickel, manganese and cobalt, which the company says are an important technology for current and next generation lithium ion batteries. Rechargeable lithium ion batteries are found in laptop computers, mobile phones an