A Novel Approach for a High Energy Primary Lithium Cell

Recent investigations on metal oxide "hosts" have produced some very high-energy rechargeable cathodes. Even though most of these cathodes are still actively under Research and Development for secondary applications, some of these cathodes can now be seriously considered for at least the primary applications. One such cathode is the Aerogel (ARG) V205. For this Phase I effort, we propose the investigation of a Li/(ARG)V205 lithium-based primary cell. Our analysis shows that such a proposed system can be 30% better in capacity and 18% better in gravimetric energy density over the current Army's baseline primary Li/MnO2. The ARG V205 will be processed by the Sol-Gel technique and we will use C02 for the hypercritical drying process. Rate enhancements for this cathode materials will be approached from two different directions: processing and densification of thin electrodes and use of more conductive electrolyte. Success in this Phase I effort will not only give the Army another option for a high-energy lithium cell for the BA-X847A/U batteries, but also in OEM and commercial applications - implantable device, "smart" cards, standby batteries for notebook computers, are few examples. Four tasks are proposed: (1) Synthesis and Characterization of Aerogel V205, (2) Thin Electrode Processing for Optimum Cathode Density and Enhanced Conductivity, (3) Electrolyte Solution Evaluations, and (4) Demonstrations of "Pouch" Cells. These tasks will be conducted within a six-month period. The Lithium-Aerogel Vanadium Pentoxide primary cell can be used as another alternate baseline for the Army's BA-X847A/U batteries. This cell system can also be miniaturized for implantable pacemaker application, or configured for "smart" cards and portable electronics.