Solid State Li-S Battery Based on Novel Polymer/Mineral Composite

Lindash;S/Li-O2 batteries have great potential to meet energy storage requirements for Electrified Aircraft propulsion applications. However, due to the need for oxygen storage and supply systems, the complicit balance of plant significantly decreases both the gravimetric and volumetric energy density of Li-O2 battery systems. For the Li-S battery, however, the main obstacle ndash; ldquo;rapid capacity fade on cyclingrdquo; due to shuttling effects and volumetric change, has to be resolved. In phase I, collaborating with the University of Utah, Chemtronergy developed a unique all solid-state Li-S battery (ASSLSB) consisting a novel highly conductive thin polymer composite electrolyte and a highly-performing sulfur cathode, potentially capable of integrating with an industrial roll-to-roll battery manufacturing process readily for scaling-up.nbsp; The composite solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) showed a conductivity as high as 2.2x10-4 S/cm and electrochemical window gt; 6.26 V at room temperature. Coin cells constructed with the novel SPE and unique sulfur cathode showed initial discharge specific capacity as high as 1500 mAh/g at room temperature, while capable of maintaining at 510 mAg/g after 100 cycles. In Phase II, a prototype Li-S battery pouch cell will be developed, followed by proof-of-concept demonstration. Successful development of the SPE and high-performance sulfur cathode will eliminate the use of flammable organic substances in the electrolyte while suppressing the polysulfide dissolution and lithium dendrite formation, thus making the Li-S batteries safer and durable.