High Power/Energy Density Lithium-Copper Chloride Battery For Robotics Technology Applications

The Li/CuCl2/ inorganic electrolyte system can presently deliver 266 W/kg and 181 Whr/kg for continuous discharge at up to 10 MA/CM2 for over 200 deep cycles. Such performance is unmatched by any other known rechargeable battery system.This project will evaluate the performance of Li/CUC12 cells with : 0.38mm thick CUC12 electrodes at 10.0 mA/CM2 which would provide 20 minutes or more of operation above 2.50 V at 9.0 Amps in a spiral wound D size cell designed specifically for the Navy robotics technology application. The approach in Phase I will be to evaluate the performance of Li/cUC12 cells with 0.3810.10 mm thick CUC12 electrodes in both laboratory cells and prismatic D size cells with 2.7 x 4.0 CM CUC12 electrodes in hermetically welded steel cases. To improve the safety of the system, oxidation resistant shutdown separators to prevent thermal runaway and venting of cells caused by electrical or mechanical abuse will be prepared and tested above 800C. The recent identification of new thermal fuse materials by LEA, Inc. will permit the preparation of such shutdown separators for the first time. The performance of the high rate CUC12 electrodes will be enhanced by preparing CUC12 with high electronic conductivities using several innovative techniques and by improved CUC12 electrode fabrication processes.