Novel, High Performance Li-Ion Cell

Current Li-ion technology offers the highest energy density of any rechargeable battery system. Unfortunately, Li-ion systems still do not meet the energy density and cost goals for emerging EV markets including PHEVs. A new strategy to meeting these goals includes selecting high capacity battery materials, currently incompatible with conventional assembly of Li-ion cells in the discharged state, and using them in novel Li-ion cell designs. To achieve such a goal, a method by which Lithium can be introduced into the cell must be developed. During the Phase I project the feasibility of using a unique source of lithium for Li-ion cells assembled in the charged state was demonstrated and used in the design and construction of new high capacity, long life Li-ion cells. For Phase II the technology will be further optimized and scaled for the development of several new Li-ion battery systems. Each system has major advantages over comparable existing batteries and will have a major impact on the lithium ion industry. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: If successful, the technology developed under this SBIR project will lead to the production of a large product line of safe, low cost very high capacity Li-ion battery cells and systems. These cells will meet the needs of a wide range of advanced applications in the automotive, telecommunications and military supply industries. Some of these applications include electric and hybrid electric vehicles including automobiles, scooters and bikes, satellites, stationary backup power, and portable power applications like cell phones, computers and PDA