Solid-state Sodium-ion Batteries for Extreme-Environment Energy Storage

Future NASA science missions will require more advanced energy storages based on secondary battery systems that are capable of operating at temperature extremes up to 500 deg;C for Venus missions (Venus surface conditions having high temperature of 486 deg;C). In this SBIR project, Aegis Technology Inc. proposes to develop a novel class of all-solid-state Na-ion batteries (ASSNiBs) based on a novel cell structure design in corporation with a high-performance solid electrolyte that has been well developed in Aegis. This electrolyte can provide not only high ionic conductivities, but also high temperature stability, and good compatibilities with the designed electrodes. By co-sintering the electrolyte with the properly processed high energy electrodes, interfacial resistance issues oftentimes encountered in conventional solid-state batteries can be effectively addressed, resulting in more desirable battery performance such as enhanced energy densities, excellent high temperature stability, and improved cyclability. In addition, the proposed ASSNiBs can be processed using an industrially mature multilayer ceramic capacitor (MLCCs) processing technology, allowing for a cost-effective and scalable production. The Phase I will focus on the feasibility demonstration of the proposed technology, through material design, processing, prototyping and characterizations. Proof-of-concept small-scale ASSNiB cells will be prototyped and demonstrated. In Phase II, further optimization, scaling up, and characterizations will be carried out, which would be directed toward a final demonstration of full-size battery cell and the establishment of the full-size cell fabrication process, paving the way to the successful development of a commercially viable battery product attractive for NASA and other military/civil applications.