Advanced Solid Inorganic Lithium-ion Conductors for Solid-State Lithium Batteries

High specific energy rechargeable batteries are critical for the development of improved power systems for directed energy weapons, aircraft, UAVs, missiles, and other Air Force applications.  Conventional lithium-ion batteries utilize electrolytes containing flammable organic solvents which result in safety hazards.  Solid lithium-ion conducting electrolytes offer improved safety and increased specific energy and power and are critical to the development of next generation batteries.  Di-Li-phthalocyanine (Li2Pc) solid electrolytes currently being developed by the Air Force have considerable potential but are limited by their non-negligible electronic conductivity.  Lynntech proposes to develop advanced inorganic composites that function as solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layers and are compatible with Li2Pc solid electrolytes. The innovative material provides high ion conductivity, high electrochemical stability, no reaction with lithium metal, and negligible electronic conductivity.  During Phase I research, Lynntech will optimize the electrolyte composition, determine the electrochemical properties as a function of temperature, and evaluate the electrolytes performance in full cell configurations. The development of the inorganic composite solid ion conductors will provide advanced solid state batteries with improved specific energies, specific powers, and performance over wide temperatures (-40 to +60 deg Celsius). During Phase II, Lynntech will optimize the fabrication processes and develop multiple prototype solid-state batteries. BENEFIT: The proposed inorganic composite solid lithium-ion conductors can enable the development of lithium batteries with improved safety, specific energy and power, and low temperature performance. The technology has significant benefits and commercial potential based on the dual-use applications for both the military and private sector.  Military applications include weapons systems, UAVs, remote sensors, and detection devices.  Specific benefits for DOD include extended duration missions and improved capabilities. The commercial market for solid-state batteries is extremely high.  Private sector applications include electric and hybrid vehicles, auxiliary power units, and consumer electronic devices which include cellular phones, laptop computers, and camcorders.