Researchers from Singapore’s Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN) of A*STAR and Quebec’s IREQ (Hydro-Québec’s research institute) have synthesized a new material that they say could more than double the energy capacity of lithium-ion batteries, allowing for longer-lasting rechargeable batteries for electric vehicles and mobile devices.

The new material for battery cathodes (the + battery pole) in based on a “lithium orthosilicate-related” compound,  Li2MnSiO4, combining lithium, manganese, silicon and oxygen, which the researchers found superior to conventional phosphate-based cathodes. They report an high initial charging capacity of 335 mAh/g (milliAmpere-hours per gram) in the journal Nano Energy.

“IBN researchers have successfully achieved simultaneous control of the phase purity and nanostructure of Li2MnSiO4 for the first time,” said Professor Jackie Y. Ying, IBN Executive Director. “This novel synthetic approach would allow us to move closer to attaining the ultrahigh theoretical capacity of silicate-based cathodes for battery applications.”

The researchers plan to further enhance their new cathode materials to create high-capacity lithium-ion batteries for commercialization.

Meanwhile, there’s Tesla Motors, which plans to develop the “Tesla home battery, or consumer battery, that will be for use in people’s houses or businesses” — apparently to store excess energy generated by solar cells — Elon Musk revealed in a March 11 investors conference call. “We have the design done and it should start going into production probably in about six months or so.”

Tesla Motors is currently constructing the “Tesla Gigafactory,” the first massive lithium-ion battery manufacturing and reprocessing facility, in Nevada. It could churn out a total of 35 gigawatt-hours of lithium-ion battery packs per year,Transport Evolved reports.