mPhase Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB:XDSL - News) reported today that it has achieved a major milestone in the development of its Smart NanoBattery Technology. mPhase reported that it has successfully manufactured a six-inch silicon-based wafer containing its key membrane (separator) technology. This separator is responsible for keeping the Smart NanoBattery's chemicals separated until activated. The membrane's unique surface and structure allows for control of a liquid on a nanostructured surface.
Each six-inch-diameter silicon wafer contains the separator material for 10 individual Smart NanoBatteries with each battery consisting of 12 "smart cells." Beneath the specialized wafer and contained within each of the smart cells, MEMS processing, microfluidics, and nanotechnology come together to form a unique superhydrophobic honeycomb structure. mPhase has figured out how to use these nano-structured surfaces and technologies to control the battery's liquid electrolytes which mix with the electrodes to create power. In the case of the Smart NanoBattery, the electrolytes can be kept separated from the electrodes until power is needed. Conventional batteries experience power dissipation as soon as the battery is assembled, but mPhase has eliminated this issue by separating the electrolytes from the electrodes. At the precise moment power is needed, the liquid electrolytes are controlled to pass through the porous silicon membrane (separator) where they will then come in contact with the electrodes to provide "Power on Command(tm)."
"This fabrication of the silicon membrane is a milestone achievement that represents a key advancement in the STTR development program," said mPhase CEO Ron Durando. "With each step forward, we are making technical advancements that have never been accomplished before. This advancement creates the potential for an unattended device to be powered by a battery with an unsurpassed shelf life that can be electronically controlled."
The Smart NanoBattery is being developed as part of the U.S. Army STTR Program. mPhase was awarded a two year Phase II development contract by the U.S. Army in September 2008 to develop this unique new battery technology for military purposes.