Functionalized Composite Nanofiber Membranes for Electrochemical Applications

The separator is a critical component of the battery that impacts both performance and safety. Separator technology is lagging in innovation comparison to cathode/anode chemistries. Current SOTA polyolefin (PO) separator technology is an antique utilizing traditional materials and processes. Moreover, investments in separator development (ARRA & DOE) have been focused on improving the manufacturing process and reducing the cost rather than envisioning novel and advanced technologies. Most of the non- lithium battery technologies relies on standard separator used in the lithium ion batteries. There has been limited progress in identifying appropriate separator configurations and functionalizing them towards specific battery applications. Hence there is a need to develop advanced separators with controllable porosity, conductivity, ion selectivity and stability across wide temperature, increased safety and cyclability is required. Oceanit proposes to develop a new class of functionalized composite nanofiber based electrochemical membrane with high ion selectivity and resistance against crossflow in lithium sulfur and redox flow batteries. A Nanofiber based separator will be build up from ground up and tailored for application in a lithium sulfur battery with high ionic conductivity and selectivity. During Phase I Oceanit will demonstrate the composite fiber fabrication, mechanical, electrochemical and thermal properties as required for use in lithium sulfur batteries. Phase I proof of concept will lay foundation for advanced testing and material refinement through Phase II effort. In Phase II Oceanit will move from laboratory scale proof of concept experiments to field simulated testing with national lab and eventual deployment to study long term performance. The technology will also be valuable to a variety of fields including, electronics, medical, domestic, space, oil and gas, automotive industries where a reliable alternative to lithium ion battery is required.