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

Li–S/Li-O2 batteries have great potential to meet requirements of energy storage systems for Electrified Aircraft propulsion applications. However, due to the need for oxygen gas storage and supply systems, the complicit balance of plant significantly decreases both gravimetric and volumetric energy density of Li-O2 battery systems. Li-S battery with a theoretical specific energy of 2600 Wh/kg is one of the highest known using non-gaseous constituents. Before expand their market potential, however, one main obstacle – “rapid capacity fade on cycling” due to shuttling effect and volumetric change, has to be resolved. In phase I, Chemtronergy and the University of Utah propose to develop an all solid-state Li-S battery (ASSLSB) based on a novel highly conductive thin polymer/mineral composite electrolyte developed by UU, a high performance sulfur cathode, and an industrial roll-to-roll battery manufacturing process. Successful development of the solid-state composite electrolytes and high performance sulfur cathode will eliminate the use of flammable organic substances in the electrolyte and will suppress the polysulfide dissolution and lithium dendrite formation, making the Li-S batteries safer and durable.

Through improving cycle life and safety, the proposed all solid state Li-S battery will address the key limitation for space applications. With high safety and long cycle life, ASSLSB would meet multi-use or cross platform space energy storage applications, and result in significant mass and volume savings and operational flexibility, including Electrical Aircraft propulsion (EAP), EVA space suits and tools, human example, lunar and martian landers, science platforms and surface solar arrays.

The proposed ASSLSB can be widely used in consumer electronic, electric vehicles and charging stations, tourist coaches, yachts, wind and solar energy storage power, traffic signals, solar hybrid street lighting, UPS power supply, home energy storage, coal miner, disaster relief emergency, communication base stations, telecommunications, etc.

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