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Completed TRL 4 (started at 3, targeting 4)
It is important to consider lithium-ion battery limitations particularly regarding temperature range, to ensure safe and successful mission outcomes. We have developed a gel polymer electrolyte that meets stringent requirements of high safety, stability, and non-flammability for implantable medical devices and plan to further develop this electrolyte for use in cells operating in extreme environments (-230 to 120˚C) and high voltages (>4.2 V). Our results show negligible loss in capacity over 4500 cycles, no damage to cell reversibility after extended periods of time at 0˚C operation, and no emission or flames during overcharge and external short circuit tests within LFP|LTO cells that contain our safe and stable electrolyte. By carefully selecting additives, we aim to overcome common performance issues and enable operation in extreme environments. We will combine this with a high-voltage cathode and graphite anode to achieve exceptional temperature stability, safe operation, and optimal performance in extreme environments.
The proposed technology would apply to any industry or technology that requires a battery and operates in an extreme environment including but not limited to spacecraft used for planetary exploration, such as rovers and landers, remote sensing and data collection equipment, satellites, spacecraft power systems, and portable devices for astronauts.
The proposed innovation, a battery capable of safely operating within extreme environments, would be applicable to Non-NASA industries such as electric vehicles, portable soldier devices utilized in military operations, and unmanned underwater vehicles, such as ROVs and AUVs.
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