Optimizing Solid Electrolyte and Air Electrodes for High Energy, 3D Na-Air Battery

C53-18c-271136The lack of affordable large-scale batteries makes electric vehicles too expensive for most consumers and makes renewable energy storage financially impractical for almost everyone. Although Li-ion battery prices have fallen over the past three decades, they are threatening to rise higher as Li-ion production for electric vehicles is predicted to consume the world’s high-grade cobalt and nickel ores while the only ready cathode alternative, lithium iron phosphate, makes the batteries heavier and more expensive. This proposal is stepping up to the challenge by developing a cobalt free, water-based sodium-air battery that can store 2-3x the energy of Li-ion, with 1/10th the nickel, while using sodium from the oceans and oxygen from the air which will enable this battery to scale to power electric vehicles and renewable energy storage for everyone. The objective of this Phase II project is to validate the technical feasibility of the technology and culminate with a finalized full cell and performance testing. The project will begin by optimizing the membrane synthesis to ensure reproducibility of results over a large area. Protective coatings for the solid electrolyte will then be optimized for stability and scalability. Additionally, we’ll develop novel low-cost OER and ORR electrodes designed for long life, high efficiency and scalability. The appropriate operating conditions will be determined to ensure a long cycle life for the catalysts chosen. The Phase II work will involve optimizing both the catalysts for the air electrodes and the cell design for performance and manufacturability. Once accomplished, full cell assembly and testing will be undertaken. When carried through over into Phase III, the aqueous Na-Air battery will give a viable energy source for large-scale electric aircraft EVs a 2-3x longer range for an affordable price while allowing electric cars to fast charge without fear of fire from overcharging and thermal runaway. The scalability of the battery will allow homes and cities to be powered with clean, renewable energy on demand to provide energy cheaper than coal and gas. The battery’s light weight will also allow electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft and drones to rapidly deliver goods and people where they need to go.