Advanced Non-Flammable Electrolytes for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries with improved safety, abuse tolerance, reliability, and volumetric and gravimetric energy densities are needed for Navy aircraft including the Joint Strike Fighter, H-1 Light Attack Helicopter, and other aircraft. Despite their high energy densities, current lithium-ion batteries can combust and release highly toxic chemicals under failure mechanisms such as overcharging, internal shorting, defects, physical damage, overheating, etc. Lynntech proposes to develop advanced electrolytes that are non-flammable and that result in similar performance (e.g. energy density, power density, recharge capability, cycle life, calendar life, temperature range) compared with current lithium-ion batteries utilizing conventional electrolytes. The goal of the project is to develop a non-flammable Li-ion conducting electrolyte that significantly increases the safety and reliability of lithium-ion batteries for Navy aircraft, while not sacrificing battery performance. During Phase I project, Lynntech will optimize the electrolyte composition, evaluate the electrolyte properties, determine the performance of anodes and cathodes using the non-flammable electrolyte, evaluate the performance of the full cells to meet target specifications, and evaluate projected bulk costs for the electrolyte. The Phase II project will develop prototype Li-ion batteries for Navy aircraft using the non-flammable electrolyte and deliver prototype batteries to the Navy for testing and evaluation.