Novel Solid State Lithium-Sulfur Battery Technology for Military Vehicles

Battery power is a major factor in military planning due to the increased use of electronics to support modern warfare. State-of-the-art rechargeable Li-ion batteries used by commercial automotive manufacturers not only have insufficient power capabilities for future military vehicle operations but also suffer serious safety risks due to the use of flammable liquid electrolytes. Li-solid state batteries have the potential to provide both high energy densities and high intrinsic safety. This proposal concerns the development of an innovative solid state battery system that uses an effective polymer electrolyte. The polymer electrolyte supports high ionic conductivity, interfaces well with the battery electrodes, and significantly improves safety and long term cycling. Importantly, the polymer electrolyte is used in conjunction with a battery chemistry with performance metrics (specific energy, energy density, specific power) greatly superior to existing rechargeable batteries. During the Phase I, Lynntech developed and demonstrated a lithium based solid state battery system using the advanced polymer electrolyte to overcome insufficient power capabilities and safety issues. During Phase II, we will develop high capacity (>2Ah) Li batteries based on our advanced polymer electrolyte with improved performance, stability, and safety.