High Rate, Solid Inorganic Polymer Electrolyte-Based Bipolar Lithium Batteries

The U.S. Army requires safe, high rate, high energy density rechargeable bipolar Li batteries to power a wide range of manportable electronic equipment. Although remarkable strides in solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) technology for rechargeable Li batteries have been made, serious problems with safety, rate, and energy density still remain. In this proposal we address three specific areas of SPE technology requiring advances by way of new materials: . a chemcially and electrochemically stable solid inorganic polymer electrolyte (SIPE) . high rate, easily prepared thin film sol-gel LiCo02 cathodes . Li reactivity inhibots which prevent uncontrolled thermal excursions During Phase I bipolar laboratory cells comprising Li foil/SIPE/LiCo02 will be built and cycled paying particular attention to rate capability, self-discharge at 60C, and cycle life.