Jun 25 2008
QuantumSphere, Inc., a leading developer of advanced catalyst materials, electrode devices, and related technologies and systems for portable power and clean-energy applications, today announced the acquisition of West Coast based Energetics Incorporated, to advance research and development of lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries, fuel cells, hydrogen production, and bio fuel applications.
Founded in 2001, Energetics Incorporated has focused on advanced energy technologies, primarily in the areas of next-generation lithium ion batteries, fuel cells for portable power, hydrogen and syngas production from biomass, and hydrogen purification and reforming technologies. The company's founder and chief executive, Subramanian Iyer, will serve as Principal Technologist for QuantumSphere and will leverage more than 30 years of experience in technology advances for metallurgy, batteries, fuel cells and renewable energy technologies.
"Batteries are struggling to keep up with consumer energy and power demands, and my team members and I are focused on game-changing increases in rechargeable Li-ion battery capacity and power density to directly address this issue," Iyer said. "Leveraging QuantumSphere's existing infrastructure, scientific team and commercial relationships will allow us to accelerate development and commercialization of key portable power and clean energy technologies quickly and cost-effectively."
Iyer's research has focused on alkaline polymeric membrane fuel cells, regenerative fuel cells and high-temperature fuel cells for internally-reformed hydrocarbons, in addition to rechargeable lithium ion batteries. Iyer has secured grants for his research from the National Science Foundation, U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Navy, as well as the Energy Innovations Small Grants Program of the California Energy Commission and the San Diego based Center for Commercialization of Advanced Technologies. Before founding Energetics Incorporated, Iyer was a team leader for metallurgy, welding, corrosion and non-destructive testing for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. He also spent 3 years at General Electric as an aircraft engineer, in addition to 12 years in India in the metallurgical and aircraft engine sectors. Iyer received a bachelor's degree in metallurgical engineering from Rajasthan University, India, and a master's degree in financial management from Bombay University, India.
"The world is looking for new ways to face its energy challenges, and new technology will help address many of those challenges," said Amit Kumar, a member of QuantumSphere's scientific advisory team and President and CEO of Combimatrix Corp (Nasdaq:CBMX). "QuantumSphere has done a great job in developing technologies to address some of those challenges and Energetics Incorporated is developing advanced lithium ion batteries, fuel cell technologies, and bio fuels to address another set of challenges. As one company, QuantumSphere can now address a broader scope of portable power and renewable energy applications and is better equipped to help the world move away from the use of fossil fuels."
QuantumSphere has successfully applied its advanced catalyst materials and high rate electrode designs to increase performance in disposable batteries by more than 320% and for cleaner, more efficient production of hydrogen from electrolysis. The Company's Nano NiFe™ electrodes increase hydrogen gas output in electrolysis systems by 300% at 85% efficiency and pave the way for on-demand hydrogen needed for industrial and mass transportation applications.
"The acquisition of Energetics Incorporated will significantly expand QuantumSphere's IP portfolio and provide us with the ability to develop a wide range of products in the portable power and clean energy arenas," said Kevin Maloney, President and CEO of QuantumSphere, Inc. "As we continue to execute on our focused plan to deliver improved electrodes for disposable batteries, hydrogen production, develop better and less expensive fuel cell components, and build next generation high capacity lithium ion battery systems, we believe these commercially viable solutions will help lower our dependency on fossil fuels in a variety of industrial and transportation applications. We welcome Subra Iyer and his team to QuantumSphere and look forward to advancing our common goals in building a profitable company and a more sustainable clean energy economy."