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SEL Develops High-energy-density Lithium-ion Rechargeable Battery Having Fire Resistance, Using Novel Cathode Material LCNO (TM) (Ni-doped LCO)

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ATSUGI, Japan, June 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “SEL”), headquartered in Atsugi, Kanagawa Prefecture, has conducted a safety demonstration test using a nail penetration test for lithium-ion rechargeable batteries for consumer applications (hereinafter referred to as “the demonstration”). The demonstration utilized a newly developed cathode active material (*1), Ni-doped lithium cobalt oxide (hereinafter referred to as “LCNO (TM)”), developed by SEL. As a result, the company has in place a lithium-ion rechargeable battery that achieves both fire resistance and high energy density (*2).

1. High-energy-density Lithium-ion Rechargeable Battery Having Fire Resistance

The LCNO (TM) battery, the lithium-ion rechargeable battery newly developed by SEL, has successfully improved its fire resistance without compromising the high energy density characteristic of lithium cobalt oxide (LCO (*3)) batteries.

In a nail penetration test, one of the standard safety tests, SEL’s prototype LCNO (TM) battery was confirmed not to ignite. There was no temperature rise on the cell surface, indicating that thermal runaway (*4) did not occur.

Image1: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M104105/202606030266/_prw_PI1fl_W2rwHY3K.png 

Furthermore, LCNO (TM) has improved discharge energy density per weight of cathode material compared with commercial LCO, enabling high-energy-density lithium-ion rechargeable batteries having fire resistance. The structural stability of LCNO (TM), a cathode active material developed by SEL, is crucial in achieving this performance.

Image2: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M104105/202606030266/_prw_PI2fl_slx7gJzp.png 

Image3: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M104105/202606030266/_prw_PI3fl_0Auy3Dsm.png 

2. Newly Developed Cathode Material LCNO (TM) (Ni-doped LCO)

LiCoO2 (LCO), a cathode active material, is known to deteriorate due to repeated charging and discharging. General LCO undergoes a phase transition to the H1-3 phase (*5) around 4.55 V (vs. Li+/Li) during charging (when Li is extracted from LCO). As a result, the CoO2 layers shift, making it impossible to return to its original state (O3 phase) during discharging. This contributes to deterioration in charge-discharge cycles.

SEL’s newly developed LCNO (TM) involves not only doping Ni into LCO but also adding Mg. Consequently, Ni and Mg occupy Li sites in LCO with a layered rock-salt structure, thereby supporting the CoO2 layers (layered structure). It has been confirmed that this structure remains stable even in a charged state (when Li is extracted from LCNO). XRD measurements have shown that when subjected to high-voltage charging above 4.6 V (i.e., when a significant amount of Li is extracted), LCNO does not undergo transition to the H1-3 phase but instead changes to a different crystal structure (O3′ phase) distinct from the O3 phase.

Thus, the LCNO (TM) battery has high structural stability, contributing to the suppression of deterioration during high-voltage charging and charge-discharge cycles.

SEL is confident that this development will contribute to the realization of a safe and secure society free from fire accidents.

Image4: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M104105/202606030266/_prw_PI4fl_uTGfU5u7.png 

(*1) Cathode material
A material used to form electrodes for storing electricity. Lithium-ion rechargeable batteries have a cathode and an anode, which are made by mixing active material particles with binders and conductive additives, then coating them onto metal foil.

(*2) Energy density
The amount of electrical energy that can be stored per unit volume or mass.

(*3) LCO
Lithium cobalt oxide, which is mainly used as the cathode material for batteries in devices that require small size, light weight, and high-capacity power, such as mobile devices.

(*4) Thermal runaway
A phenomenon where a battery overheats and becomes uncontrollable. Once this starts, the internal materials react, causing a chain reaction that further increases the temperature, ultimately resulting in ignition.

(*5) H1-3 phase
A type of structure that appears when the crystal structure changes during charging, which has a negative impact on charge-discharge cycles.

Paper information
Communications Materials, 5, 108 (2024)
https://doi.org/10.1038/s43246-024-00543-y 

– Title: Controlling lithium cobalt oxide phase transition using molten fluoride salt for improved lithium-ion batteries
– Authors:
Mayumi Mikami (1), Jo Saito (1), Teruaki Ochiai (1), Masahiro Takahashi (1), Tatsuyoshi Takahashi (1), Yohei Momma (1), Kazutaka Kuriki (1), Rihito Wada (1), Kazune Yokomizo (1), Genki Kobayashi (2), Shinichi Komaba (3) & Shunpei Yamazaki (1)

(1) Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
(2) The Institute of Physical and Chemical Research
(3) The Tokyo University of Science

About Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Atsugi, Kanagawa Pref., Japan) has been practicing a unique business model specializing in research and development since its establishment in 1980.

Business:
R&D
– Transistors and integrated circuits fabricated using crystalline oxide semiconductors, and semiconductor devices composed thereof;
– Materials for batteries, and devices composed thereof; and
– Materials and devices for OLED, and display devices composed thereof.

Prototyping devices using crystalline oxide semiconductors for high-volume-manufacturing feasibility evaluation.

Patenting of inventions and licensing patents.

Official website: https://www.sel.co.jp/en/ 

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SOURCE Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.

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Changhong at IFA 2026: From Going Global to Going Local

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37 minutes ago

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September 6, 2026

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BERLIN, Sept. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — At IFA 2026, Changhong unveiled a new lineup of AI-powered home appliances spanning TVs, refrigerators, air conditioners and laundry appliances. Centered on real-life scenarios, the company is bringing AI technologies designed to better understand everyday needs into the product experience, highlighting its transition from technological innovation toward more intuitive living experiences. The showcase also signals Changhong’s continued localization efforts.

The concept comes to life across Changhong’s latest AI products. The Q60S Pro TV features the Changhong LeDong AI sports platform, extending the TV beyond a traditional content screen into a space for family fitness and interaction. An AI human-sensing air conditioner can recognize users’ locations and habits and adjust airflow accordingly, while an AI refrigerator uses intelligent sensing to help users take a more proactive approach to food freshness. Rather than adding complexity, Changhong is making everyday life simpler.

This is at the heart of Changhong’s exploration of “seamless technology”—technology that works quietly in the background. The best technology does not always need to be seen; it simply helps people worry less.

A distinctive cultural element is also finding its way into Changhong’s smart product experience. The brand has incorporated the giant panda into AI assistant interactions, bringing greater warmth and approachability to AI-powered TVs and other home appliances. Closely associated with Changhong’s Sichuan heritage, the panda also provides a natural way to bring a recognizable element of Chinese culture into the technology experience.

Skiing offers another bridge to European lifestyles. In recent years, Changhong has continued to strengthen its presence in Europe with CHiQ as an important brand vehicle, building closer connections with local consumers through sports partnerships, including sponsorship of FIS Ski World Cup events in Germany, collaboration with the German Ski Association and its role as an official partner of the FIS Ski Jumping World Cup. More than a sporting platform, skiing allows CHiQ to connect the speed, passion and outdoor spirit of the sport with its product experience, bringing technology closer to the way European consumers live.

Behind these initiatives is a deeper commitment to localization. From product experience and brand expression to sports, culture and local lifestyles, Changhong is creating more diverse touchpoints with the European market. From “going global” to “going local,” the company is moving beyond products and channels toward a deeper integration of its brands, technology and the markets it serves.

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CoolFly to Showcase Personal Flight Portfolio and NA80 Flight-Control Technology at IFA Berlin 2026

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3 hours ago

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September 6, 2026

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Dream ST will be on display as CoolFly highlights flagship Urban, high-performance Dream Pro and its expanding global dealer network

BERLIN, Sept. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — CoolFly, a developer of personal electric aircraft and eVTOL technologies, is showcasing its Dream ST personal aircraft at IFA Berlin 2026, taking place September 4–8 at Messe Berlin.

Dream ST is on display at CityCube Hall B, Booth CCBB-143, in IFA’s Mobility area. While Dream ST is the aircraft physically presented at the show, CoolFly is also introducing its broader product portfolio, including high-performance Dream Pro and flagship Urban.

Dream ST is a lightweight, single-seat electric aircraft designed for personal and recreational flight, featuring a seated configuration and quick-fold design for easier transportation and storage.

Dream Pro extends the platform with greater payload, endurance and performance. It supports a maximum payload of 120 kg, reaches a maximum speed of 100 km/h, and can achieve up to 40 minutes of flight time with a 70 kg pilot onboard, depending on operating and environmental conditions.

Urban, CoolFly’s flagship personal aircraft, features a standing-position configuration and enclosed-propeller architecture, reflecting the company’s effort to create a more intuitive and distinctive personal flight experience.

All three aircraft share CoolFly’s self-developed NA80 flight control system. NA80 uses a dual-redundant architecture with two independent flight-control units, each integrating three aviation-grade inertial measurement units (IMUs). The system continuously monitors aircraft attitude and motion, supports millisecond-level fault detection and failover, and serves as a common technology foundation across CoolFly’s product portfolio.

Dream ST, Dream Pro and Urban have all obtained CE and FCC certifications for applicable product compliance requirements, supporting CoolFly’s continued international expansion.

CoolFly is also actively recruiting dealers, distributors and commercial partners worldwide, with a current focus on Europe, North America, Australia, the Middle East and other key markets.

Prospective partners and media are invited to visit CoolFly at IFA Berlin 2026, CityCube Hall B, Booth CCBB-143.

About CoolFly
CoolFly develops personal electric aircraft and eVTOL technologies, integrating aircraft design, propulsion and self-developed flight-control systems to make personal flight more accessible.

Media: press@coolflyaircraft.com
Business: support@coolflyaircraft.com

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Experience AI Companion in Everyday Life at Hisense IFA 2026

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4 hours ago

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September 6, 2026

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BERLIN, Sept. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Hisense, a leading brand in global consumer electronics and home appliances, is inviting visitors at IFA 2026 to experience how AI can make everyday home routines simpler and more intuitive. Under the theme “Innovating a Brighter Life,” the Hisense AI Companion Suite, powered by ConnectLife, brings connected intelligence to the kitchen, laundry and living spaces.

Step into the kitchen and a simple question— “What should I make?”—can set the experience in motion. The AI Companion Refrigerator recognizes stored ingredients and suggests meal ideas based on personal preferences. Once a recipe is selected, it can sync with the AI Companion Oven to support automatic cooking, while the AI Companion Wine Cabinet recommends pairings and maintains suitable storage conditions. After the meal, the AI Companion Dishwasher recognizes dish conditions and adjusts cleaning, demonstrating how AI can support the journey from planning dinner to cleaning up.

In the laundry area, visitors can see how the AI Companion Laundry Suite turns a routine load into a simpler, more automated experience. By recognizing clothing characteristics, it selects suitable wash and dry cycles and adjusts the process automatically, creating a load-and-go experience.

The experience continues in the living space. The AI Companion Air Conditioner senses indoor conditions and user presence, adapting airflow as people move through the room. Meanwhile, the AI Companion Energy System considers weather and time-of-use electricity pricing to help optimize household energy use.

Building on ConnectLife’s support, Hisense is collaborating with Alexa+ to be among the first home appliance brands bringing smart home devices to Amazon’s Alexa+ AI assistant using Amazon’s new Smart Home AI Toolkit. Available in the coming months, Alexa+ customers will be able to control select Hisense air conditioners by simply saying what they need. Alexa+ will then map the request, navigate the settings, and complete the action for them.

Hisense’s approach to innovation has also earned recognition at IFA, with several of its products receiving awards. The Multi Function II Series, an all-in-one energy-saving HVAC solution, received a Winner Award, while the X-zone Master was named an Honoree. The U8 Air Master Air Conditioner, W60 3D Kitchen-fit Series and 60cm Integrated Wine Cabinet were also recognized that underscores Hisense’s focus on combining intelligent technology, thoughtful design and everyday usability.

Across these IFA scenarios, Hisense brings its Smart Home Companion capabilities to life through V AIOS, giving devices the ability to Sense what is happening, Think through what to do, Communicate naturally with users and across devices, and Execute tasks by orchestrating devices and services autonomously. Together, these capabilities help AI Companion Suites understand context, make decisions and take action, helping the home do more while asking less of its users.

About Hisense

Hisense, founded in 1969, is a globally recognized leader in home appliances and consumer electronics with operations in over 180 countries, specializing in delivering high-quality multimedia products, home appliances, and intelligent IT solutions. According to Omdia, Hisense ranks No. 1 globally in the 100-inch and over TV segment (2023-2026H1). As The Origin of RGB MiniLED, Hisense continues to lead the next-generation RGB MiniLED innovation. As the official sponsor of the FIFA World Cup 2026TM, Hisense is committed to global sports partnerships as a way to connect with audiences worldwide.

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