Research Capacity Building Program In Iowa: Developing New High Energy Density Extremely Safe All Solid State Lithium-Sulfur Batteries

Key Central Objectives: The Sc-I, Dr. Steve W. Martin, proposes to use NASA EPSCoR funding to develop a sustainable research program in the State of Iowa that will conduct new research on developing new All Solid State Lithium-Sulfur Battery (ASSLSB) materials, chemistries, and architectures that will help NASA meet critical battery requirements in manned and unmanned space exploration missions. This sustainable research program will build upon the research strengths at ISU in developing new materials for Lithium Batteries (LBs). To build research capacity at ISU, we propose a program to address the problem most urgent to NASA in meeting the high-power densities required for mission goals. This will be achieved by enabling high-energy-density sulfur cathode materials in combination with lithium metal (LM) anodes, separated by a high Li+ ion conductivity and electrochemically and thermally stable glassy solid electrolyte (GSE). This proposal aligns with the Space Technology Mission Directorate, focused in Battery and Materials science.

Concise Statement of Methods: Specifically, we will develop entirely new mixed oxy-sulfide-nitride (MOSN) GSEs that Sc-I Martin has shown optimally combine the low cost and chemical, thermal, and mechanical stability of oxide GSEs; the high Li+ ion conductivity of sulfide GSEs; and the high electrochemical stability of nitride GSEs. We propose to use these MOSN GSEs to create new high-energy-density LM anode and sulfur cathode ASSLSBs that will exceed NASA’s requirements by achieving expected energy and power densities (cell level) of 900 Wh/kg, 800 Wh/l, and 5 kW/m3, respectively. The proposed research has four objectives: (1) to form the first ever thin-film (microns) mixed glass former (MGF) MOSN GSEs; (2) to create a new Li2S-based nanocomposite cathode (LSNCC); (3) to form a new Ni/Cu nanowire current collectors (NCNWCC) for a LM anode; and (4) to assemble and test cells made from the GSE, LSNCC, and the NCNWCC/LM anode.

In objective 1, we will optimize the MGF MOSN GSEs for improved battery performance, stability in contact with LM and high, > 0.1 mS/cm at 25 C, Li+ ion conductivity and strong resistance to crystallization. These optimized MGF MOSN GSEs will then be melted and cast into 30 cm long x 5 cm wide x 0.5 microns thick preforms from which thin, 20-50 microns, and long, 5m, ribbons will be drawn.

In objective 2, we will use electrochemical deposition techniques to develop NCNWCCs that are optimized to plate and strip planar LM without forming dendrites and at an aereal capacity of >10 mAh/cm^2.

In objective 3, we will use nano-precipitation techniques to prepare LCNCCs that in conjunction with our MGF MOSN GSEs are optimized to completely solve the polysulfide shuttle problem and enable Li2S to be used as both a source of Li so that the cells can be safely assembled at low cost and as a high capacity sulfur cathode material.

In objective 4, we will assemble symmetric, asymmetric, and full cells of ASSLSBs to evaluate and then optimize the performance of the ASSLSBs to meet and exceed the aggressive NASA requirements for energy density, power density, cycle life and safety.

Statement of Perceived Significance: The success of planned and future NASA missions critically depends upon the use of portable energy sources, such as batteries. As the goals of these missions increase in complexity and duration, so do the demands for greater battery energy and power densities. This project will develop new ASSLSBs that will meet and exceed NASA mission requirements. The proposed ASSLSBs will create a new paradigm of performance and safety that will not only be mission enabling for specific planned Venus and Mars missions for extravehicular activities and rovers, they will also foster new battery systems that will significantly enhance the performance of LBs for nearly all terrestrial portable energy needs and applications.

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.