Lithium Battery Polymer Electrolytes

NASA requires a safe, long-cycle-life lithium battery that is rechargeable, efficient and reliable for powering space electronics. A solid polymer electrolyte for lithium batteries will allow placement of the electrodes in close proximity, bipolar cell construction, retardation of undesirable chemical reactions. The Phase I program focuses on the synthesis of novel organic salts, and polymer electrolytes based on these salts to achieve a structure of improved Li+ ion conductivity. Such a polymeric separator is expected to be stable in the chosen Li/MnO2 cell chemistry. The program objectives also include developing a MnO2 cathode and testing these components in a flat configuration to demonstrate the feasibility of a high energy density, compact yet safe lithium battery to meet the space mission requirements. The Phase I program will concentrate upon the development of a novel stable solid polymer electrolyte, which is a host structure to a high conductivity medium for Li' ions to demonstrate the feasibility of improved Li/MnO2 cells. Phase II will be devoted to the development, design, fabrication, and testing of Li/MnO2 battery prototypes for mission specific NASA applications, utilizing the new Li-salts, polymer electrolytes, intercalation anodes and cathodes.