|
Spinel lithium manganese oxide (LiMn2O4) has been investigated since the early 90’s as one of the most serious alternative to the LiCoO2 cathode. Despite the low-cost and low impact on the environment of Manganese versus Cobalt, lower energy density and capacity fading have however limited its potential applications and wide market acceptance. This capacity fading being due to the dissolution of manganese, significant R&D has been performed in order to improve capacity, energy density and rate capability. The substitution of Manganese by several dopants has been investigated as well as the coating of the cathode by different active materials and the use of specific anode materials (commercially LTO) and electrolytes. In particular, LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 and derivatives has been investigated as a promising candidate for a 2015-2020 high energy density 5V cells. With the expiry or near expiry of the historical patents (like the Panasonic 1989 JP3219571), younger portfolio emerges and acquires a blocking position (like the ones among others from Tosoh Corp and Japan Storage Battery, now GS YUASA). Facing the Japanese patent monopoly, emerging institutional players arise in China, US and Europe.
The present report analyses the patent environment and notably highlights the strategy of current major players which are not necessarily the major patent holders. These major patent holders are end-users (Samsung, Sony, Mitsubishi, LG, NEC, Panasonic), battery manufacturers (Japan Storage Battery, Yuasa Battery, NGK Insulators, Denso Corp, Shin Kobe electric, Sanyo) and material manufacturers (Mitsui Mining Smelting, Sumitomo Metal Mining, UBE Industries, Nippon Chemical, Tosoh Corp).
In a competitive sector where over 900 patents and patent applications have been filed, this « IP Overview – LiMxMn2-xO4 cathode materials for batteries » provides you with a comprehensive panorama of the intellectual property landscape and helps you:
- Position your company’s R&D and IP Portfolio
- Identify key inventors and key players involved in specific doping compositions
- Understand the collaboration networks and theirs dynamics
N.B.: A three months access to the full patent database is also included
|
