LYNNTECH INC. — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: A18-036

Description

Batteries are used to power dismounted soldier worn electronics and play a critical role for readiness and agility factors, two top challenges identified by the US Army to stay as the premium force globally. In layman’s terms, no electrical power, no success in missions. Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries use graphite anode and have specific energy values of <150 Wh/kg. Army desires to achieve specific energy values of 300-600 Wh/kg by using silicon anode. Though, large volume change issues associated with silicon irreversibly damage solid-electrolyte interface and adversely affect cycle lifetime and capacity retention. Lynntech proposes a combinatorial approach, one involving advanced electrolyte/additives, fracture-resistant silicon morphology merged with prelithiation, and a mesoporous high voltage cathode, to increase silicon’s cycle lifetime and capacity retention aspects so that it becomes the next generation anode. Preliminary results showed unprecedented battery performances with high silicon mass loadings. During Phase I, Lynntech will further advance the fours aspects of its combinatorial approach, fabricate coin cells and 2 Ah pouch cells, and demonstrate that their electrochemical performances meet Army requirements within -40 to 60 C, and produce a design for 150 Wh battery module. During Phase II, 150 Wh battery will be fabricated, tested, and delivered to Army.