ADA TECHNOLOGIES, INC. — Department of Energy SBIR Phase I: 14

Description

Advances in electric drive vehicles (EDVs), including hybrid electric (HEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and electric (EV) vehicles, are key to reduce U.S. foreign oil dependence and greenhouse gas emissions. Battery technologies are critical to the development of EDVs. State-of-the-art battery technologies fall far short of the energy density requirements for most automotive and other commercial applications. Thus, there is a need to develop battery systems that have significantly increased energy density, long durability and enhanced safety, at a competitive cost. Statement of how this Problem or Situation is Being Addressed: In response to DOE battery development needs, ADA Technologies, Inc. (ADA) and partner propose the development of a battery system that will significantly increase specific energy and energy density with improved charge transfer kinetics, long cycle life stability, and enhanced safety, at a competitive cost based on $/energy density. The technology innovation lies in an atomic level, multi-functional modification of a cathode material, which will deliver significantly increased specific capacity and energy without material durability sacrifices. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: This technology will lead to a battery technology that is safe, and offers a high energy and high power density, and long cycle life performance at a competitive cost. If successful, the proposed technology will represent a paradigm-shift in terms of battery performance and safety. A near-term transition opportunity of this technology is envisioned in electric vehicle (EV) and plug-in hybrid EV (PHEV) power systems. This technology is expected to meet the needs of many other private and public sector applications that place a premium on energy and/or safety. Examples are consumer electronics, including laptops, cell phones, video cameras, and hand-held power tools, medical applications including drug delivery units, hearing aids and neurological stimulators, and defense applications including specialized mobile power, communication devices, unmanned air vehicles, and space vehicles. Key Words: Rechargeable Li-ion battery, atomic layer deposition, ALD multi-functional stabilized Li-ion cathode, high voltage Li-ion cathode.