Advanced High Energy Density Lithium-ion Batteries

The present lithium-ion battery technology needs further improvement with respect to specific energy (Wh/kg) and energy density (Wh/l) for military, aerospace, and transportation applications. The improvement in specific energy and energy density can be achieved by choosing (i) an electrochemical couple having high specific capacity of individual electrode materials and/or (ii) an electrochemical couple having high open-circuit voltage. A new battery chemistry consisting of a novel high practical capacity anode, high capacity, high voltage cathode, and a new electrolyte that can stand up to 5 V vs Li is proposed for the development of high energy density lithium-ion batteries. In Phase I, the proposed materials will be produced, characterized, and qualified for the development of lithium-ion cells. Several prototype lithium-ion cells will be fabricated with the proposed materials anode and their performance with respect to specific energy and long-term cycling will be evaluated.