Sulfur Cathode for High-Energy Li-Sulfur Battery

Based on the Power Energy and Conversion Roadmap TA03 future NASA missions will require high specific energy battery technologies, > 400 Wh/kg. NASA's current missions are using "state-of-the art" (SOA) Li-ion batteries (LIB), which consist of a metal oxide cathode, a graphite anode and an organic electrolyte. The design and chemistry of these cells have a relatively low specific energy (< 200 Wh/kg) and safety issues, therefore they are unable to attain the performance goals indicated in TA03. "Beyond Li-ion" technologies are necessary to make the breakthrough gains in the batteries' specific energy and improved safety. This proposal will address some challenges of the Li-S battery technology, namely (1) low conductivity of the sulfur and (2) volume expansion and (3) the loss of the active material (sulfur) to the "polysulfide shuttle" process resulting in reduced cycle life. The sulfur cathode conductivity needs to be increased because atomic sulfur is an insulator. The sulfur cathode conductivity will be enhanced by using a highly conductive matrix of carbon nanotubes (CNT).

This research in the development of sulfur-carbon nanotube (S-CNT) cathode for a Li-S battery will enable the development of high energy density batteries for future missions and help expand the frontiers of knowledge, capability, and opportunity in space supporting NASA Strategic Goal 1. Results obtained from the proposed research will be extremely useful in chartering "new start" major proposals in "beyond Li-ion" batteries to the Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD).

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — 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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