Next-Generation Lithium Battery Enabled by Holey Graphene-based Electrodes

Rechargeable Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are widely used for a wide variety of commercial and naval electronics and electrical applications. The weight of the naval power battery system can be a significant portion of the overall weight of the portable electrical device on board a ground or aerial vehicle. Furthermore, the energy capacity of existing Li-ion batteries is not adequate to support prolonged operating times of current and future naval platforms, such as unmanned aerial systems (UASs) and portable communication and surveillance systems, for extended mission endurance. Moreover, current batteries necessitate frequent recharging in the range of hours. To meet Navy’s requirements, Lynntech, in collaboration with South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (SDM), proposes to develop a next-generation high energy Li battery with holey graphene-based electrodes (holey graphene-stabilized ultrathin Li anode and thick high capacity coated cathode), and high voltage electrolytes. During the Phase I, Lynntech and SDM will synthesize and characterized holey graphene-based anodes and cathodes as well as high voltage electrolytes. We will fabricate and test lab-scale cells, and demonstrate the feasibility of the technology. Lynntech will also describe an initial design for prototype cells along with performance estimates and an improvement plan. During the Phase II, we will further fabricate and demonstrate a complete cell. We will demonstrate and validate the performance of the prototype battery to meet the Navy’s requirements. Lynntech will assess the risks associated with the storage and operation of the battery and propose viable risk mitigation solutions. We will deliver a prototype to NAVAIR for further evaluation. During the Phase III, Lynntech will work with a battery manufacturer to fully develop and transition the lithium battery for naval applications in various UAV platforms.