Escalating global energy demand along with the limited supply of fossil fuels and mandates to minimize CO₂ emissions has increased needs for alternative energy sources. Li-ion batteries have played a key role competing with various secondary battery systems, such as Ni-MH, Pb-acid, and so on, to supply power for small electronics since Sony launched the first generation Li-ion battery in the early 1990s. Recently, Li-ion batteries have predominantly provided the electric devices such as cellular phones, laptop computers, and camcorders. In addition, they have been used in both hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and back-up electricity storage units for renewable energy sources which requires a large unit. In 2008, sales of rechargeable Li-ion batteries reached 10 billion dollars and are currently growing at nearly 10 percent per year. Furthermore sales are expected to grow dramatically if Li-ion batteries can be successfully implemented in HEVs or plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs). Considered above issues, development of high capacity Li-ion batteries or new secondary battery systems is highly pursued for the bright future of mankind.

The goal of Advanced Battery Materials Lab. (ABML) at Kumoh National Institute of Technology (KIT) in Korea is to design and construct better batteries. To meet the ever increasing demands for better batteries, various advanced battery materials are synthesizing and applying to high-performance rechargeable battery systems.

• High capacity Li-alloy-based anodes
• High capacity advanced cathodes
• Investigation of electrochemical reaction mechanism on electrodes

• Rechargeable Na-ion battery electrodes
• Rechargeable Mg battery system
• Rechargeable Li metal battery system