Since its founding in 1970, TRACER has been active in research and
development programs in electrochemistry. TRACER has been involved in a number
of programs in cooperation with leading private companies (Exxon, Gould, United
Technologies, etc.) and federal agencies (US Army, US Navy, DOE, NSF, NASA,
etc.) to identify methods to improve the performance of electrochemical systems.
In 1973 TRACER developed and patented a method for making bromine chemically
inert as a liquid polyhalide, but retaining its high electrochemical activity.
This method has been incorporated into secondary batteries and has been
considered by Exxon (and Johnson Controls under sub-license) as a method of
providing megawatt load-leveling or electric-vehicle energy storage systems.
Working with United Technologies in the 1970s and early 1980s, TRACER first
investigated functionalized porphyrins and phthalocyanines as cathode catalysts
in primary fuel cells. This work led to work with tetraazaannulenes (TAAs)
because of their greater chemical stability. TRACER, under DOE and NASA/DOE
support, demonstrated that the TAAs, especially when mixed with noble metals,
are superior cathode catalysts in primary fuel cells with performance and life
times better than higher loads of noble metals.
As part of its corporate plan to become a supplier of lithium cells to niche
markets, TRACER began over ten years ago an effort to develop a proprietary
technology base for lithium primary and secondary cells. This work has generally
been funded in-house or supported by private clients. The emphasis of this work
has been on developing a cell capable of safe operation at elevated temperatures
or at high rates. As a adjunct to this program TRACER has developed in-house
PC-driven equipment for testing primary and secondary cells.
Tracer provides battery pack repair and replacement services to a number of
the major U.S. lap-top computer, portable tool and communication device
companies; these battery packs use lithium-ion, nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH), or
nickel-cadmium cells. As part of this service, TRACER has developed proprietary
testing equipment which identifies the failures in the PCBx (protection and
protocal) or cells: TRACER then repairs the failures or recycles the good
components. TRACER also has made replacement PCBs and plastic case molds for a
number of the battery packs serviced; this engineering work allows TRACER to
provide on an OEM basis small volume deliveries of packs which reduces the need
for large end-of-life inventories. Customers serviced by TRACER in this area
include IBM, NEC, Compaq, Winbook, Acer, Black and Decker and Hilti.
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