Novel Electrode Materials for Lithium Polymer Batteries

We will demonstrate the use of new, high capacity cathode materials in lithium polymer batteries based on a new class of electrode materials. Charge storage capacities for these materials will exceed those of nickel, cobalt or manganese oxides. During the Phase I program T/J Technologies new cathode materials will be used in conjunction with polymer electrolytes developed by SAFT. Cells will be tested to determine the charge capacity, energy density, efficiency, cyclability and Li-ion diffusivity. Our performance target is 150 mAh/gr for more than 50 cycles. We will supplement these electrochemical measurements with structural and compositional analysis to verify that lithium can be reversibly inserted and de-inserted without extensive physical or chemical degradation. During Phase II we will produce additional electrode compounds that should offer even higher capacities. These materials will be optimized for use with the best available polymer electrolytes. Several generations of prototypes will be assembled including these materials for testing at third-party laboratories. Our performance goal for the Phase II effort is a capacity of 180 mAh/g. This research and development program will ultimately lead to a low-cost, high energy lithium polymer battery for use in military and commercial applications. BENEFITS: New cathode materials developed by T/J Technologies will increase the energy and power density of lithium polymer batteries. These materials are lower in cost than existing alternatives. The primary defense applications are in communications and aerospace electronics. The vast commercial opportunities includes applications in cellular electronics, laptop computers, and camcorders.