Holey Nanocarbon Architectures for High Performance Li-Air Batteries, Year 2

Li-air batteries (LABs) have a theoretical energy density of 3500 - 5000 Wh/kg, nearly 10 times that of conventional Li-ion batteries (LIBs). A huge advantage is that the oxygen reactant at the cathode can be directly obtained from air (air cathode), thus significant cost and weight reduction of the battery can be obtained. However, major challenges remain for the LAB air cathodes, such as low catalytic efficiency and poor oxygen diffusion during long-term cycling.

LABs could result in an estimated 80-percent weight savings for energy storage systems in comparison to the LIBs in future green aviation aircrafts. LABs are also relevant to crewed space exploratory missions because there will be an oxygen-containing atmosphere in spacecrafts and habitats. LAB technology is expected to have a major national impact on the development of electric and hybrid vehicles and soldier- portable power systems. With some modifications, our material-based electrode technology could also be applied to various battery, supercapacitor, and other energy conversion and storage systems.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 2) — 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.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.