Highly Branched, Lightly Crosslinked, Solid Polymer Electrolytes

40690 TPL, Inc. This project will develop a novel solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) that will significantly increase the practical power and energy density of state-of-the-art secondary lithium batteries. The approach will yield carbosilane-based electrolytes with high conductivities and low transference numbers. Covalently attaching thin films of these novel electrolytes to high energy density cathodes will enable high peak power capability. The variety of potential curing techniques for the polymer-cathode system, such as platinum catalyzed, thermal , or UV crosslinking, will provide processible high power batteries at reasonable costs. Anticipated Results/Potential Commercial Applications as described by the awardee: These novel solid polymer electrolytes should enable exceptionally high energy density batteries that meet the needs of electric vehicles. These batteries should also be used in a wide variety of electronics, communication devices, and portable tools.