Novel Solid State Lithium-Sulfur Battery Technology for Military Vehicles

Although rechargeable batteries are used by the US military to power equipment used in communications, navigation, reconnaissance, surveillance and computation, even the best available commercial batteries have power capabilities that are inadequate for military vehicles. State-of-the-art lithium-ion batteries used by commercial automotive manufacturers dont have energy storage capabilities to provide military vehicles with adequate driving range, and the battery performance cannot match the high power draws needed for various vehicle operations. In addition, the lithium-ion batterys highly flammable liquid electrolyte is a serious safety concern, and the power capabilities of lithium-ion batteries decline at low temperatures. Alternatives to lithium-ion batteries are needed for military vehicles. This proposal concerns the development of innovative solid state battery systems that use a novel single ion conducting polymer as the electrolyte. The polymer electrolyte supports high ionic conductivity, and interfaces well with the battery electrodes. The polymer electrolyte also improves safety by eliminating hazardous liquids and prevents hazards due to dendrite formation. Importantly, the polymer electrolyte will be used in conjunction with battery chemistry with performance metrics (specific energy, energy density, specific power) greatly superior to existing rechargeable batteries, and in close alignment with the future needs of military vehicles and other mission requirements.