Solid-state Sodium-ion Batteries for Extreme-Environment Energy Storage

Future NASA science missions will require more advanced energy storages based on secondary battery systems that are capable of operating at temperature extremes up to 500 °C for Venus missions (Venus surface conditions having high temperature of 486 °C). In this SBIR project, Aegis Technology Inc. proposes to develop a novel class of all-solid-state Na-ion batteries (ASSNiBs) based on a novel cell structure design in corporation with a high-performance solid electrolyte that has been well developed in Aegis. This electrolyte can provide not only high ionic conductivities, but also high temperature stability, and good compatibilities with the designed electrodes. By co-sintering the electrolyte with the properly processed high energy electrodes, interfacial resistance issues oftentimes encountered in conventional solid-state batteries can be effectively addressed, resulting in more desirable battery performance such as enhanced energy densities, excellent high temperature stability, and improved cyclability. In addition, the proposed ASSNiBs can be processed using an industrially mature multilayer ceramic capacitor (MLCCs) processing technology, allowing for a cost-effective and scalable production. The Phase I will focus on the feasibility demonstration of the proposed technology, through material design, processing, prototyping and characterizations. Proof-of-concept small-scale ASSNiB cells will be prototyped and demonstrated. In Phase II, further optimization, scaling up, and characterizations will be carried out, which would be directed toward a final demonstration of full-size battery cell and the establishment of the full-size cell fabrication process, paving the way to the successful development of a commercially viable battery product attractive for NASA and other military/civil applications.

High temperature capable, high-energy-density, high-reliability ASSNiBs, once successfully developed, will find wide applications in advanced energy storage systems for future NASA Science Missions in extreme environments, and Electrified Aircraft Propulsion (EAP) in NASA's Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD) to possess sufficient range, safety, and operational economics for regular service. Other potential NASA applications will include power sources for extravehicular activities, landers, and rovers, etc.

This class of ASSNiBs will find numerous applications in military systems (such as energy storage for air/land/sea vehicle, and silent watch) and commercial systems (such as geophysical exploration, deep oil/gas well drilling, electric vehicles), providing the benefits of high temperature reliability, long working time, excellent safety, low energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — 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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