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Very-Wide-Operating-Temperature Li Batteries Based on Unique Ionic Liquid Electrolytes Originally Developed for Electrochromics in Spacecraft Thermal

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Air Force
Contract: FA9453-12-C-0092
Agency Tracking Number: F103-065-1413
Amount: $743,888.00
Phase: Phase II
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: AF103-065
Solicitation Number: 2010.3
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2010
Award Year: 2012
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2012-07-17
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
9 Red Coach Ln
Holmdel, NJ -
United States
DUNS: 807772942
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: Yes
Principal Investigator
 Prasanna Chandrasekhar
 President
 (732) 739-1122
 chandra.p2@ashwin-ushas.com
Business Contact
 Prasanna Chandrasekhar
Title: President
Phone: (732) 739-1122
Email: chandra.p2@ashwin-ushas.com
Research Institution
 Stub
Abstract

ABSTRACT: Advanced Li battery technology remains beset with performance deficiencies at low/high temperatures/extreme environments (high vacuum, radiation, vibration/shock), primarily from poor conductivity/mobility in organic electrolytes used under such conditions. In this respect, electrolytes using ionic liquids, with large liquidus ranges, no vapor pressure, non-flammability, have been much studied recently, but remain unviable. Now in entirely unrelated work, in electrochromics for spacecraft thermal control operating at -80 to +100 C, this firm developed unique ionic liquids with very high conductivity and ion mobility at low temperatures and space durability. Phase I work further modified these electrolytes specifically for reentry vehicle Li batteries. Performance demonstrated included: Specific energy>339 Wh/kg at low (-40 C), room, high (+60 C) temperature;>85% capacity retention in multiple cycles; reversible capacity>145 mAh/g. The key/most important component of the new, reentry-vehicle Li battery, the electrolyte, was successfully arrived at. Phase II work will focus on: Refinement of other battery components compatible with this electrolyte, including correct anodes/cathodes; packaging suitable for reentry vehicles; further increase in performance (specific energy, capacity, peak specific power, etc.); extensive testing in reentry vehicle conditions (long-term dormancy, high-g/radiation). Commercial tie-ups with several Li battery manufacturers have been initiated, will be pursued. BENEFIT: The resulting wide-operating-temperature Li battery technology may be considered a breakthrough. Applications will be in all extreme-temperature environments where conventional Li battery (including Li ion and polymer electrolyte) technology is unable to function. Military applications would be as original equipment in military vehicles and portable field-use power sources for extreme environments. The larger commercial market, would include, e.g., laptops, cell phones or tablet computers for field use applications in extreme cold or hot. Potential extensions include hybrid and electric vehicles and recreational equipment. A recent, authoritative study estimates the Li ion battery market, using existing technology, at ca. $8b/year by 2015.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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