Chemat Technology, Inc. — Department of Defense STTR Phase II: Interest in lithium metal-air batteries has been growing in recent years, along with the d

Description

Interest in lithium metal-air batteries has been growing in recent years, along with the demand for lighter power sources for devices ranging from plug-in hybrid vehicles to laptops. In lithium-ion batteries, the electrodes are made of materials such as graphite, while in a lithium-metal battery, the anode is made up entirely of lithium metal, and the surrounding air can act as the cathode. Lithium-metal batteries approach the energy density of fuel cells without the plumbing needed for these devices; in theory, the maximum energy density is more than 5,000 watt-hours per kilogram, or more than 10 times that of today''s lithium-ion batteries. Lithium metal-air batteries are also very lightweight because it''s not necessary to carry a second reactant. Highly ionic conductive windable electrolyte will be incorporated into lithium air battery and battery park in Phase II. The battery-relevant electrochemical characteristics of the lithium-air system will be tested. The chemical and electrochemical stability of the battery as a function of temperature and discharge rate will be assessed.