Electrospraying for Precision Delivery of Water and Nutrients for Aeroponics in Microgravity

Key Technical Challenges: Finding solvent-anion-diluent combinations that maintain a low viscosity.\nApproach/Research Plan: Fabricate electrolytes with ultra-high salt loading; Measure Li conductivity & transference number; Measure reactivity with Li Foil; and, Conduct cell fabrication/electrochemical testing.\nDifferent/Complementary: The proposed work will demonstrate the feasibility of SIS electrolyte systems for high power batteries. \nNext Step: Optimizing electrolyte composition by utilizing pouch cells and verifying the power capability at the larger cell design\n\n

Goal: To target rate capability enhancement utilizing aprotic electrolytes with high salt concentrations (solvent-in-salt (SIS)).\nCapability Need/Knowledge Gap: Aprotic SIS electrolytes are receiving attention as a new class of liquid electrolytes. Generally, the increase salt concentration over the standard 1M concentration is undesirable due to reduction in Li transport and higher viscosity. \nState-of-the-Art/Knowledge: It is often assumed that maximizing electrolyte ionic conductivity results in an optimal rate capability. Peculiar physicochemical / electrochemical properties of SIS electrolytes have been discovered. SIS technology can improve safety, reduce cathode solubility issues, enhance rate capability and widen the electrochemical range.

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