Safe, Large-Format Lithium-ion (Li-ion) Batteries for ICBMs

U.S. Air Force seeks a nonflammable electrolyte material to improve battery safety under military operating conditions. Rechargeable lithium and Li-ion batteries can fail violently when subjected to an internal electrical short, are overheated, crushed, or when they are overcharged. Corvid Technologies LLC plans to develop a safe, innovative hybrid electrolyte for lithium metal and Li-ion batteries. In collaboration with the School of Materials Science and Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology, Corvid will produce ceramic, solid-state electrolytes that have ionic liquid-infused polymeric coatings at the interfaces. These coatings will improve stability and satisfy critical safety requirements for batteries. Engineering electrolytes with both solid and liquid design features will maximize rate capability and durability over the required temperature range (-40 to +75 C operational and -55 to +85 C storage). Additionally, Corvid will collaborate with Saft America Inc. to assure the solution is scalable and cost competitive. A novel, nonflammable electrolyte will maximize safety and utility for military applications of rechargeable lithium and Li-ion batteries.