Advanced Cathode for High Energy Li-Air Batteries

The energy needs of naval aircraft are increasing significantly as the Navy modernizes its fleet. Current lithium (Li)-ion cells are insufficient for meeting these requirements. Li-air chemistry has the potential to meet the Navy’s energy demands. However, the state-of-the-art non-aqueous Li-air cells suffer from sluggish charging kinetics, clogging of mass transfer pathways and high resistance originating from the discharge product of Li2O2 at the cathode. An advanced cathode with low overpotential, high reversibility and good cyclability is needed to satisfy Navy’s requirements. During Phase I, Lynntech successfully developed advanced hybrid catalysts and electrode structures for the cathode of Li-air batteries. Lynntech’s advanced cathode-based Li-air full cells showed high specific capacity, reduced overpotential, good rate capability, long cycle life, and high specific energy. Initial safety/abuse testing showed that Lynntech’s Li-air cells are stable and safe under short circuit, overcharge, and fast charge/discharge conditions. Lynntech’s Li-air full cells demonstrated the feasibility to meet the Navy requirements. During Phase II, Lynntech will develop a prototype 28V Li-air battery with demonstrated specific energy and cycle life over a wide-temperature range, and under select harsh environmental conditions. Lynntech will also initiate battery systems engineering design, develop preliminary cost structure and technology transition plan.