ENHANCE – Enabling Hybrid Anodes with Nano-Carbon Electrodes

The objective of this research program is to develop an ultra-lightweight carbon nanotube-lithium metal (CNT-Li) hybrid anode to enable high energy density lithium ion cells. These CNT-Li anodes will be paired with carbon nanotube enhanced high areal loading (mAh/cm2) cathodes to achieve cell-level energy densities that exceed 400 Wh/kg at the cell-level and have the potential to exceed 500 Wh/kg. Electrode engineering will be used to modify the cell architecture to increase cycle life and rate capability necessary for aerospace applications. Previous work has focused on the fundamental science of CNT conductive additives and free-standing CNT anodes. This program will demonstrate, for the first time, the feasibility this 3-dimensional CNT-Li hybrid structure in high energy density aerospace cells. The impact of the work will improve mission capabilities and reliability for all US spacecraft and other DoD applications. This approach provides US satellites with a mission-enabling high energy density power system to maintain a competitive advantage over adversaries.