TechDrive, Inc., founded in late 1997, has utilized strong capabilities and experience in the synthesis of a wide range of new materials for potential use in lithium rechargeable batteries. Areas of activity include nonflammable electrolytes, single-ion conducting polymer electrolytes (SiPE), low lattice energy lithium salts and high permitivity plasticizes. The company also conducts a variety of screening tests on these materials. These tests include cyclic voltammetry (CV), AC impedance, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), accelerating rate calorimetry (ARC), and charge-discharge behavior and cell cycling.

Special emphasis has been placed in preparing novel materials such as thermal runaway inhibitors (TRI™) to improve flame retardancy and in identifying new electrolyte systems for lithium-ion batteries, which can operate at temperatures near -40°C. The company is now conducting preliminary studies on novel membranes for fuel cells.