CHEMTRONERGY LLC — National Aeronautics and Space Administration STTR Phase I: T15

Description

Lindash;S/Li-O2 batteries have great potential to meet requirements of energy storage systems for Electrified Aircraft propulsion applications. However, due to the need for oxygen gas storage and supply systems, the complicit balance of plant significantly decreases both gravimetric and volumetric energy density of Li-O2 battery systems. Li-S battery with a theoretical specific energy of 2600 Wh/kg is one of the highest known using non-gaseous constituents. Before expand their market potential, however, one main obstacle ndash; ldquo;rapid capacity fade on cyclingrdquo; due to shuttling effect and volumetric change, has to be resolved. In phase I, Chemtronergy and the University of Utah propose to develop an all solid-state Li-S battery (ASSLSB) based on a novel highly conductive thin polymer/mineral composite electrolyte developed by UU, a high performance sulfur cathode, and an industrial roll-to-roll battery manufacturing process. Successful development of the solid-state composite electrolytes and high performance sulfur cathode will eliminate the use of flammable organic substances in the electrolyte and will suppress the polysulfide dissolution and lithium dendrite formation, making the Li-S batteries safer and durable.