SBIR Phase II: Silicon CS-FET sensors for safety monitoring of electric vehicle lithium-ion battery packs

The broader impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to enhance lithium-ion battery safety in electric vehicles (EV). Battery safety is critical for EVs, and existing monitoring of temperature, voltage, and current is insufficient. This project advances a new sensor to improve safety. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will introduce Si CS-FET-based gas sensors as an advanced safety monitoring modality for EV battery packs. Lithium-ion cells vent certain gases, indicating potential problems such as overcharging and overheating. This project will develop and optimize materials and processes for high-volume manufacturing of Si CS-FET-based gas sensors. Key outcomes will be Si CS-FETs with high sensitivity and selectivity, low-power operation, and demonstrated reliability through accelerated lifetime studies. Successful project completion will also significantly advance the field of battery monitoring sensors and the broad field of battery diagnostics. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.