Anode Electrolyte Nanocomposites as Alternative to Carbonaceous Anode Materials

75654-In liquid-electrolyte lithium-ion battery systems, such as those being developed for electric and hybrid electric vehicles, the tin based anodes react with the lithium metal, causing the formation of a reaction layer that reduces the cycle life of the battery. To this end, efforts to coat the anode and cathode with a non-reactive solid electrolyte within the liquid system, have yielded some improvements in cycling behavior; however, the vacuum equipment used in the coating process is cost prohibitive. Solid electrolyte-anode nanocomposites could improve the charge transfer kinetics and rate capability by using an active material with smaller particle size and creating strong anode-electrolyte interfaces. Therefore, this project will develop combustion synthesis methods for producing both anode and electrolyte materials in a single nanopowder composite materials structure. In Phase I, a combinatorial approach will be employed for the rapid electrochemical screening of composition/material structures, in order to establish the appropriate structure-function relationships. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: Enhancements in rechargeable battery performance, such as improved cycle life and energy density, should speed the introduction of lithium-ion batteries in hybrid electric vehicles, cell phones, and laptop computers.