Reciprocal Lithium-ion Cell with Novel Lithium-Free Cathode and Pre-Lithiated Carbonaceous Anode

In almost all lithium-ion cells, which are needed for hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and plug-in HEVs (PHEVs), the ¿active¿ lithium is introduced into an uncharged cell as part of the material used in the positive electrode. However, it has been proven that lithium-metal electrodes can not be cycled thousands of times, as required for HEVs and PHEVs. This project will explore the use of a new material, based on carbon-Stabilized Lithium Metal Powder (SLMP¿), as a promising substitute for the lithium-metal anode. For the cathode material, manganese dioxide MnO2 looks very attractive for coupling with the SLMP anode, due to its low price and high theoretical specific capacity. However, in practice, MnO2 has poor cyclability. To improve cyclability, the manganese dioxide will be doped with nickel and the spinel structure will be stabilized by incorporating lithium in the mixed oxide. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: In addition to the application for electric vehicles, the improved energy storage device should find use in cellular phones, laptop computers, camcorders, and other commercial electronic equipment. The technology also should be applicable to providing power for implantable medical devices.