Preparation of All-Ceramic, High Performance Li-ion Batteries for Deep Space Power Systems, Phase I

Lithium (Li) ion batteries are among the most promising power sources for many civilian, military and space applications due to their high power and high energy densities. However, current state-of-the-art Li-ion batteries are not suited for operation in deep-space environments including high radiation and an extremely wide operation temperature regime (-100˚C to 400˚C), due to utilization of thermally and electrochemically unstable organic electrolytes. TPL proposes to develop an all-ceramic, high performance Li-ion battery for deep-space power systems via a novel cell configuration, micro-fiber cells (MFCs), that ensures successful utilization of ceramic materials for all battery components. The superior properties of the proposed MFC-based Li-ion batteries will be achieved via formation and processing of functional graphite fibers that facilitate interfacial contacts and practical utilization of ceramic electrolytes. In Phase I, TPL will fabricate the proposed MFCs via a solution approach and process the MFCs into rechargeable batteries having a wide operation temperature window, excellent radiation resistance, and a high specific energy. The functional fibers will be structurally characterized and MFC-based batteries will be electrochemically evaluated in the temperature regime. The concept of MFCs will be demonstrated. TPL has extensive experience in Li-ion battery chemistries and technologies. TPL's technical and management teams are well positioned to move this technology into the market.

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.

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