Altairnano Inc., founded in 1973 and headquartered in Reno, Nevada, specializes in advanced nanotechnology applied to energy storage solutions. With over 40 years of experience in the battery industry, the company has established itself as a leading developer and manufacturer of lithium titanate oxide (LTO) materials and battery systems. Their signature product, the nano lithium titanate (nLTO) battery cell, delivers superior performance compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries, particularly in high-power applications across industrial, transportation, and grid storage sectors.
Battery Technology
Altairnano’s innovative approach centers on replacing conventional graphite anodes with nanostructured lithium-titanate in lithium-ion batteries. This proprietary technology, introduced in 2005, offers several significant advantages. The batteries demonstrate exceptional charging and discharging capabilities, achieving specific power ratings of up to 4000 W/kg and power density exceeding 7,500 W/litre.
The company’s LTO-based batteries maintain stable performance through more than 16,000 charge-discharge cycles while retaining 80% of their initial capacity – far surpassing the typical 1,000-cycle lifespan of standard lithium-ion batteries. This extended durability makes them particularly valuable for demanding applications such as electric vehicles, industrial equipment, and grid storage systems.
Safety features prominently in Altairnano’s design philosophy. Their LTO technology exhibits superior thermal stability, eliminating thermal runaway risks below 250°C. The batteries function effectively across wide temperature ranges, making them suitable for challenging environmental conditions. These characteristics have led to successful deployments in electric buses, mining equipment, grid stabilization systems, and military applications.
Recent Projects
No information available
Investors
Altairnano’s financial backing includes significant investment from established institutions. In 2007, the company secured $40 million in venture funding led by J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., followed by an additional $7 million from undisclosed investors. Currently, Altairnano Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Energy Storage Technology (China) Group Limited, reflecting the company’s international reach and strategic partnerships.
Business Details
Location: Reno, Nevada, USA
Website: https://altairnano.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/altairnano/
