Advanced AgO-Zn Battery with Wider Temperature Range and Improved Cycle Life

Silver-zinc rechargeable batteries are widely accepted as they offers 40% more runtime over lithium-ion batteries and 95% of their primary elements can be recycled and reused. However, these batteries need to achieve a further level of improvement with better cycle life and wider temperature range for large scale commercial acceptance. In this Navy SBIR program, Material and Electrochemical Research (MER) Corporation proposes a novel battery structure that differs from conventional battery design in that the electrodes are made out of a unique porous material that provides storage of silver and zinc containing liquids within their porous structure. These electrode structures do not need a impermeable separator. This new battery is simpler in construction, more efficient and less expensive than those that are currently available. The possibility that batteries having this type of electrode can be integrated with classic high temperature ionic salts for better cycle life and longevity will be explored. This Phase I work will include an assessment of the potential for manufacturability of these advanced large size format battery systems. Based on Phase I results, a 260V high capacity prototype will be developed in Phase II.