High Energy Density Materials for Projectile Li-ion Battery

Batteries are critical components in modern military electronics. Advanced energy storage devices such as lithium ion batteries (LIBs) must keep up with the development of military technology that demands batteries with high gravimetric and volumetric energy density, fast charging rates, and reliability over extreme operating conditions. These criteria drive our development of new active battery materials that serve as a drop-in replacement for current military LIBs. In Phase I, Lionano compound number 1.0 was engineered at the nanoscale and demonstrated to maximize LIB performance at the cathode. In Phase II three complete battery prototypes, with increasing performance capability, will be produced. The first prototype, made immediately at the start of Phase II, is ready to be assembled at the Battery Prototyping Center at R.I.T. using Lionano cathode material produced at Cornell University. In the next stage of development, a metallic lithium anode will replace graphite to further improve energy density. Finally, an all-solid state battery cell will be produced using a polymer electrolyte to enhance stability and electrochemical performance. The Phase II workflow will integrate testing and projectile qualification with development so iterative improvements can ensure high reliability, lasting performance and shelf-life, while providing quantitative characterization of performance.