High Energy Density Li-Ion Batteries Designed for Low Temperature Applications

The state-of-the-art Li-ion batteries do not fully meet the energy density, power density and safety requirements specified by NASA for future exploration missions. Building upon our Phase I feasibility study, we propose to implement an advanced cathode material in practical Li-ion batteries. The cathode material offers superior electrochemical performance over its commercially used counterpart, particularly in terms of discharge capacity and energy density. In Phase I, working in collaboration with a leading university-based researcher, we demonstrated that intrinsic modifications in the crystal structure, and extrinsic modifications on the surface of cathode particles, can lead to energy densities greater than 1150 Wh/kg at room temperature and 800 Wh/kg at zero degrees C for the cathode powder. In the Phase II program, we intend to combine the intrinsic and extrinsic effects in the cathode material, which will deliver the needed energy density at low temperatures, along with other desirable attributes. This will represent a significant advancement of the state-of-the-art in cathode materials. The structural and morphological modifications introduced in the material will allow us to (i) maintain high energy and power density at low temperature (ii) lower the irreversible capacity loss and improve the efficiency, and (iii) further stabilize and enhance the safety of the cell. In Phase II, our university-based collaborator will fabricate and test small Li-ion pouch cells, which will help optimize the cathode material. In addition, prototype Li-ion cells with a capacity of ~ 5Ah will be fabricated and tested by a large Li-ion battery manufacturer and supplier to the aerospace industry. Further, a NASA prime contractor has offered to guide the Phase II program. The outcome of a successful Phase II program will be the demonstration of an advanced and robust energy storage system that can be used for future NASA applications.

Non-NASA applications for the proposed innovation include (i) automotive applications such as Li-ion battery packs in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs), (ii) consumer electronics such as laptops, mobile phones, cameras, camcorders, electric razors, toothbrush, portable TVs and radios, and power tools, (iii) medical devices, (iv) electric bikes/scooters, (v) military applications such as underwater batteries, air, ground, emergency and pulse power applications.

Advanced Li-ion battery systems with high energy and power densities are required for NASA's exploration missions that will operate at low temperatures. These batteries are required to power components and systems, such as the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), Mars Atmospheric and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN), deep drilling equipment and Astrobiology Field Laboratory on Mars, International X-ray Observatory (IXO), and extravehicular activities. The Phase II program will demonstrate an advanced Li-ion battery that is expected to meet NASA's high energy density requirement (cell level specific energy > 300 Wh/kg at C/2) at an operating temperature of T=0⁰C.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — 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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