High Capacity and High Voltage Composite Oxide Cathode for Li-ion Batteries, Phase I

NEI Corporation and University of Florida propose to develop a mixed metal oxide cathode that is a composite of two and three dimensional structures. At the atomic level, the crystal structure is expected to be both open (for fast Li-ion intercalation/diffusion) and stable (for good reversibility). The cathode materials developed in this program are expected to have high capacity and high rate capability, as well as long cycle life. Additionally, the crystal structure of the proposed material is expected to be stable over a wide temperature range upon Li-ion deintercalation, without oxygen evolution. This will allow the Li-ion cells to operate at high energy and power levels without compromising on safety. The target specific capacity of the proposed cathode is >200 mAh/g with a nominal working voltage of 4.8V, which gives out >960 Wh/kg specific energy. A unique feature of the proposed program is that it integrates theoretical and experimental work to enable a new generation of high capacity and high voltage cathode materials: the composition range and structure will be determined utilizing first principles calculation techniques developed by our STTR partner at University of Florida, and NEI Corp. will produce the cathode materials using its scalable and low cost process. The structure, composition, particle morphology and electrochemical performance will then be determined. The objective of the Phase I STTR program is to demonstrate the feasibility of a new high capacity and high voltage cathode material for rechargeable Li-ion batteries. In Phase II, the composition and morphology of the powders will be optimized, and integrated into large format prototype Li-ion batteries by working in partnership with a battery manufacturer(s). The objective will be to design and fabricate battery packs that meet the functional performance requirements set by NASA.

Currently available commercial Li-ion batteries do not adequately meet the requirements of electronic appliances, such as cell phones, laptop computers, power tools, sensors, and remote controllers. The cathode materials developed in this program will increase the overall performance of Li-ion batteries used in these applications. Others applications for the materials developed here include Electric vehicles (EV), hybrid electric vehicles, power backups, and alternative power generation, such as solar panels, wind turbines, which need batteries to store the generated energy. Currently, Li-ion batteries are utilized only for low-cycle life space applications, but reliable and safe Li-ion batteries with improved cycle and calendar life, high energy density and good low temperature performance are needed for astronaut equipment and solar powered landers, rovers, propulsion, and human outposts. With NEI's cathode materials, a high performance Li-ion battery will be produced to meet NASA requirements.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 1) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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