High Energy Density Rechargeable Lithium Sulfur Battery with Novel Solid Electrolyte

72070S03-I Batteries for electric vehicles (EVs) require very high-energy-density capability while hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) require devices that can deliver high power pulses. Both types of batteries must be capable of accepting high power recharge pulses from regenerative braking. To attain these requirements, batteries with energy densities of 200 Wh/kg and power densities of 400 W/kg are needed. This project will develop a lithium sulfur system to provide the high energy density required for vehicle traction. To attain this high energy density, high conductivity thio-LISICON (2.2 x 10-3 S/cm, a lithium ion conducting solid electrolyte) will be plasma sprayed with a thin film sulfur/carbon/thio-LISICON cathode composite and a thin film lithium anode. In Phase I, plasma sprayed thio-LISICON will be fabricated on a sulfur/carbon/thio-LISICON cathode, and a lithium anode will be used to complete the cell. A 0.2 Ah cell will be constructed in a flexible cell package for performance evaluation, life tests will be conducted, and a sample will be provided to DOE. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by awardee: In addition to the application for electric and hybrid electric vehicles, other applications for the technology could include ultrawideband (UWB) short range transmission, watchphones, micro-aerial vehicles (MAVs), and biosensors for Homeland Security.