Lithium Ion-Channel Polymer Electrolyte for Lithium Metal Anode Rechargeable Batteries

75219S Electric vehicles of the future require improved rechargeable batteries with higher performance. Although it is widely accepted that lithium-ion batteries can achieve the performance metrics required for these applications, some technical limitations still must be overcome. Specifically, improvements in the electrolyte are needed so that lithium metal can be used as the anode. To achieve this goal, this project will develop a novel, solvent-free polymer that will be chemically stable to metallic lithium. Also, its lithium ion-channels will make it highly Li+ conductive. In Phase I, polymer electrolyte materials were produced that had room-temperature conductives as high as 1.6 x10-3 S/cm (with conductives at 40¿C above 10-4 S/cm), were stable in contact with lithium metal during reversible cycling tests in Li/electrolyte/Li coin cells, and were mechanically stable over the electric vehicle battery¿s operating temperature range of -40 to 90¿C. In Phase II polyelectrolyte membranes will be produced, and the ionic conductivity and stability against lithium metal will be evaluated. A viable process for making the electrolyte material on the size scale needed for commercialization will be developed. Prototype lithium/electrolyte/LiCoO2 rechargeable batteries will be produced, cycled, and evaluated for electric vehicle applications. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The improved rechargeable batteries should have application to electric and hybrid electric vehicles or fuel cell vehicles, as well as other products that use rechargeable lithium batteries, such as portable electronics and electrical appliances.