Sn-SnSb Filled Carbon Fiber Anodes for High Energy Density Lithium Ion Batteries

Phase I demonstrated a new lithium ion anode material based on nanotechnology that exploits the high rate capability and excellent cycle life of a carbon fiber material and the high volumetric and gravimetric capacity of tin-based systems to yield a high capacity material. Phase II objective will be to further optimize the modified carbon fiber anode to a level where a practical gravimetric capacity of 500-700 mAh/g can be delivered. The combination of this anode with the mixed oxide cathode material in a lithium-ion battery packaged in a soft-pack aluminum laminate material should exhibit energy density ranging from190-230 Wh/Kg. The carbon fiber will act not only as an electronic conductor but also as a cushion that will accommodate the volume changes during lithium intercalation and deintercalation. In addition, because of the metallic character of the modified composite anode, the overall cell impedance is expected to decrease. Such a decrease in cells impedance should give rise to much improved rate performance and excellent cyclability than existing commercial cells. This proposed lithium-ion technology promises to revolutionize the world of space batteries in terms of cost/performance factor.