Innovative Cathode Structure for Rechargeable Lithium/Oxygen Battery with Increased Energy Density and Cycle Life

Giner, Inc. (Giner) proposes to extend lithium/oxygen energy density and cycle life through the use of a highly engineered cathode with a combination of design and lightweight materials to optimize gas diffusion, lithium-ion conduction and product distribution in a microporous / macroporous architecture. The project will scale up and demonstrate cell performance using inexpensive methods and materials. Further improvements will be made by incorporating continuous electrospun carbon fibers to provide uniform, highly dispersed bidirectional catalyst support, electronic continuity and microporous electrolyte entrapment. The structure will be optimized to preserve product deposition sites, ionic conductivity and oxygen access over many cycles. A prototype 28-V battery will be designed, fabricated and tested in the Phase I Option.