Lithium-Air Technology

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will advance an efficient and lightweight power source for man portable equipment by developing a lightweight lithium air battery. Specifically the project advances lithium air batteries by 1) optimizing our oxygen transport molecules developed in phase one, 2) increasing specific capacity, and 3) developing an oxygen selective membrane to increase diffusion from the atmosphere. By using the oxygen transport molecules in the electrolyte the specific capacity of the cathodes were greatly improve by better utilization of the cathode. The oxygen transport molecules will increase the amount of dissolved oxygen carried by the electrolyte in the porous air cathode. This will increase the rate of discharge and the capacity by distributing the oxygen throughout the pores of the cathode. The oxygen transport molecules also have water repulsion properties to increase the safety of the cell. Yardney's experience and technologies in the zinc-air and Al-air power sources will be adopted in the design of the new large lithium air cells and batteries. Advantages of the proposed lithium air battery include a high energy density, lightweight, safe design, environmentally friendly components, and an increased oxygen diffusion rate.