New Cathode Materials for High Capacity Thermal Batteries

The objective of this MDA SBIR Phase-I program is to perform research and development on new designs of cathode materials for lithium thermal batteries, which when incorporated in cells, yields very high levels of specific power and specific energy, highreliability, and low cost, when compared with presently available thermal batteries. This can be achieved by utilizing thermally stable cathode materials of exceptionally high capacity that are not only compatible with molten salt electrolytes, but hasexcellent chemical, electrochemical and thermal stabilities and good kinetic properties. Specific results of the work will include, determination of the the thermal stabilities of the components, self-discharge, steady-state discharge and pulse powercharacteristics, and cost evaluation. It is expected that such cathodes will also provide good reversibility resulting in rechargeability of the batteries. The results of this investigation will provide a battery technology that delivers packaged energiesof at least 200 Wh/kg. It is envisaged that the development of these cathode materials will impact their use as anode materials for high energy density lithium ion cells. Successful implementation of high capacity cathodes, which are chemically,electrochemically and thermally stable for lithium-based thermal batteries should pave the way for the development of higher energy density and lighter power source for MDA's missile applications. The results of this work will enable us to determine thefeasibility of the cathode materials in lithium ion batteries. If the concept is successful, then the development of such batteries should result in a system with lower cost and over 200 Wh/kg energy density compared to existing lithium ion batteries withall the other improvements of a smaller and lighter package for missiles. This program should prove to be a stepping-stone to the prospect of a truly novel battery design for providing power to MDA's space defense applications that is not only lightweight,but also energy dense in storage capability. In addition to these benefits, the U.S.A. economy would be stimulated due to the immediate consumption needs of the domestic/international portable electronics, telecommunication and automotive industries forthese advanced