Rechargeable Lithium Metal Cell

PSI proposes to develop a rechargeable lithium metal cell with energy density >400Wh/kg. This represents a >70% increase as compared to similarly constructed cells using commercial off the shelf components. Further, the use of lithium metal eliminates the need to produce the anode material and electrode, simplifying cell construction and thus reducing cost. The Phase I work will build upon PSI's previous efforts focused on forming a high power cell design. These efforts have demonstrated the ability to construct pouch sized cells that charge and discharge without the formation of dendrites. During Phase I, PSI will build high energy pouch cells and demonstrate the cycling efficiency of its lithium metal cell design. A specialized electrolyte will be developed that maximizes the cycle life and offers comparable performance to conventional electrolytes designed for graphite cells. A composite separator tailored to efficiently operate with the electrolyte will be used to provide a reduced diffusion distance between the anode and cathode. Phase I testing will demonstrate each component can be scaled to allow stable cycling of Ah pouch cells. Phase II will focus on building multi amp hour cells that achieve the targeted energy density, 400Wh/kg.

The proposed cell technology could be utilized in all NASA battery applications. In particular the rechargeable lithium metal cell technology could be used in any mission or application that requires low mass and low volume. The absence of an intercalation component on the negative electrode allows for higher discharge rate capabilities. Applications include EVA suits, landers, rovers, habitats, vehicle power, and power for payloads.

The initial market for the proposed technology is military aerospace applications where space is limited and battery energy density is critical. In addition, the technology also would be well suited to powering microdevices, such as remote sensing devices, that would benefit from the increased runtimes and reduced battery size enabled by the increased battery energy density. The proposed technology could also be used in applications that need high power and energy, such as power sources for high energy laser systems. The higher energy and power densities offered are required to meet the weight requirements of this application. The system may also be used in emergency power generators and as a replacement for current power sources employing primary and thermal batteries.

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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