Low Cost, High Rate, High Energy Density Lithium-Ion Batteries

Lithium-ion rechargeable battery technology has been developed and commercialized by several Japanese organizations. Small cylindrical cells are now available in the United States through Japanese manufacturers for laptop computer, cellular telephone and camcorder applications. Lithium-ion cells offer several advantages such as high operating voltage (3.6 - 3.7V), long cycle life (>1000 cycles) and enhanced safety with minimized environmental impact. The high cost ($8-10 per Wh) of the state-of-the-art lithium-ion batteries, however, is presently preventing their widespread commercial use. The primary objective of this Phase I SBIR Program is to develop a low cost, high rate, high energy density prismatic design Lithium-ion cell in a plastic case. Three areas of investigation are planned to meet the technical objectives: * Chemistry and material research * Component and process development * Prismatic cell development and performance evaluation The proposed advanced battery is expected to provide a specific energy of 120 Wh/Kg and an energy density of 260 Wh/l. The cost of the battery will be <$5 per Wh.