Long Cycle Life, High Energy Lithium-Ion Cathode Material

TIAX proposes to utilize a series of insights regarding surface properties of coated cathode materials to develop a novel, coated cathode material for lithium-ion batteries with exceptional cycle life and energy content. The goal of this program is to apply a gradient coating uniformly at the surface of the cathode particles that is durably adhered, does not impede cathode discharge capacity and yet increases the cycle life sufficiently for satellite applications. BENEFIT: Cathodes with a low inherent rate of capacity fade will enable a combination of attractive design objectives such as reducing battery weight for a given design life or significantly extending battery/satellite service life. Longer cycle life cathodes in rechargeable batteries will have immediate impact in the automotive sector where cost and service life are key design parameters. Such cathodes will increase the commercial viability and market penetration of electric drive vehicles such as plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Increasing electrification of vehicles will reduce the nation’s dependence on imported petroleum, will reduce greenhouse-gas emissions and air pollution, and will conserve petrochemical feedstocks. Potential public benefits include reducing adverse health impacts from pollution, reducing adverse environmental and economic impacts of global warming, and reducing economic impacts of limited world petroleum supply.