High Energy Density Battery Materials at Low Temperatures for Future NASA Missions

The overarching goal of this project is to enhance the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) research capacity and infrastructure to address NASA’s strategic needs on rechargeable batteries for planetary science missions. NASA has a long-term interest in developing robust and lightweight high-energy-density rechargeable batteries that can operate well at low temperatures. One of the major technical challenges specified in the 2015 NASA Technology Roadmaps is developing high-specific-capacity anode nanomaterials with improved low-temperature performance (−60 °C) for lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. The research goal of this project is to improve the power density, energy density, and cycle life of anodes for Li-ion batteries at –60 °C with a fundamental understanding of the controlling mechanisms. Studies have revealed that the poor low-temperature performance of Li-ion anodes mainly relates to slow ionic diffusion and limited Li storage capacity. Therefore, the proposed research will focus on group-IV elements and (transition/binary) metal oxides owing to their high theoretical specific capacity of Li. The central hypothesis is that making use of material doping and simultaneously the high specific capacity can advance lithiation kinetics, ionic diffusion, and capacity retention in anodes at low temperatures. To test the hypothesis, the proposed research will complete four tightly coupled thrusts by synergistically integrating computational and experimental studies. The four thrusts are (1) identification of high-capacity anode materials and corresponding doping elements that improve power density at –60 °C; (2) prediction of capacity retention and cycling stability in doped high-capacity anodes with the consideration of chemo-mechanics; (3) electrochemical analysis of the doped anodes and characterization of battery performance at −60 °C; (4) detection and characterization of Li dendrites and potentially hazardous metal clusters in cycled cells for mitigation of short circuits. The research outcomes will address key scientific questions: What are the controlling mechanisms for the charge-transfer kinetics, Li diffusion, and electrochemical degradation in doped high-specific-capacity anode nanomaterials at −60 °C? And how can doping impurities enhance the rate performance and capacity retention of these high-specific-capacity anodes simultaneously? Completion of the proposed research will provide a better understanding of the battery working principle at low temperatures, generate a database containing electrochemical performance of advanced anode materials under a variety of operational conditions at –60 °C, and thus lead to a rational design guidance of anodes for future Li-ion batteries for space applications. The project aligns with the current space technology topic of “advanced power generation, storage, and transfer for deep space missions” in the Space Technology Mission Directorate. The research also aligns with advanced energy and space power generation interests at several NASA Centers including GRC, KSC, JSC and JPL The proposed research will contribute to the strategic goals 1, 2 & 4 in 2018 NASA Strategic Plan by generating new knowledge and developing low-temperature rechargeable battery technologies that meet the needs of near- and mid-term planetary surface missions. In view of education and training, technology transformation, and public engagement with STEM, the project will contribute to the strategic goal 3 in 2018 NASA Strategic Plan. The project will enhance the research capabilities and competence of NSHE in the area of battery technologies and advance education, training, and workforce development in Nevada. The project will also develop collaboration between NSHE faculty and NASA scientists, and create intellectual advances with commercialization potential.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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.