Radically Designed High Energy Metal-Air Cell for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will advance an efficient and lightweight energy storage device for Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAV) by developing a high energy density lithium-air battery with the new radically designed cell developed in the Phase I. Specifically, the project advances high energy density cells by focusing on increasing the energy density of these cells. Our high-energy air cathodes, with an increased oxygen diffusion rate, are incorporated into the cells. Several areas to optimize the cells have been identified and will be investigated. These cells produce power by the lithium reacting with the air cathode. This significantly decreases the weight by consuming oxygen from the air. Yardney’s experience and technologies in oxygen cathodes and powers sources will be adopted in the design of the lithium-air batteries. Advantages of the proposed lithium-air battery include: a safe design, high energy density, a lightweight design, and a high energy density cathode.