Lithium Ion-Channel Polymer Electrolyte for Lithium Metal Anode Rechargeable Batteries

75219-Electric vehicles of the future require improved rechargeable batteries with higher performance. Although it is widely accepted that lithium-ion batteries can achieve the performance metrics required for these applications, some technical limitations still must be overcome. Specifically, improvements in the electrolyte are needed so that lithium metal can be used as the anode. This project will develop a new electrolyte material that will enable the production of higher power lithium ion batteries for electric vehicles. The electrolyte material will be a solvent-free polymer membrane, which will be a chemically stable, rigid polymer that contains synthetic lithium-ion channels. The crosslinked polymer will be chemically stable to metallic lithium, and the lithium-ion channels will make it highly conductive to Li+. The resultant lithium electrolyte/lithium cell will demonstrate stability under discharging and charging cycles. In Phase I, polyelectrolyte membranes will be produced, and the ionic conductivity, transport number, and thermal stability will be measured. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The improved rechargeable batteries should have application to electric and hybrid electric vehicles or fuel cell vehicles, as well as other products that use rechargeable lithium batteries such as portable electronics and electrical appliances.