NATRION INC — Department of Defense STTR Phase I: N21B-T023

Description

The purpose of this proposal will be to develop and demonstrate a solid-state lithium-ion battery (LIB) cell employing a composite carbon-lithium anode to realize energy densities in excess of 600 watt-hours/kilogram. Lithium-metal anodes have the highest theoretical energy density among LIB anode materials (>3000mAh/g); however, Li-metal experience large volume changes upon lithiation that degrades other LIB cell components and makes meeting the Navy’s target of 85% capacity after 1000 cycles difficult. As part of this work, highly-porosity 3D carbon nanostructures will be developed and coated with lithium to form high-surface-area networked composites that are capable of high rate-performance and capacity while presenting optimal free volumes that will mitigate the ill effects of lithium expansion for enhance battery cycle life. Experimental coin cells will be prepared pairing experimental anodes with 5-volt nickel-rich-NMC cathodes and the proposer’s recently-developed polymer-ceramic composite solid-state electrolyte. The novel electrolyte will mitigate dendrites that can compromise cycle life, facilitate the use of 5-volt cathodes, and provide the cells with a temperature operating range of -50°C to 250°C — far in excess of the Navy’s original requirements. The final piece of the Phase I effort will entail designing and planning the development and evaluation of multi-layer pouch cells for a Phase II effort, as well as conducting a customer discovery survey within the Navy to source a memorandum of understanding for a Phase II proposal.