SBIR-STTR Award

Imperia Batteries proposes to develop an integrated separator-electrode-electrolyte composite architecture incorporating conductive electrolyte components in a polymer-ceramic composite separator that is directly applied to electrodes, simultaneously improving energy density and safety. This technology will improve safety by reducing the possibility for a cell to short-circuit via electrode misalignment, gas bubble generation, or by melting or shrinking of the separator when exposed to high temperatures. Additionally, the ionic conductivity of the architecture will allow for the reduction/removal of flammable electrolyte components from the cell. These features will protect the cell from common failure mechanisms and reduce risks associated with sympathetic ignition in the event of fire. These safety technologies will be combined with a proven high capacity silicon composite anode. This anode material has been demonstrated to reduce cell weight and increase energy density in a number of cell formats ranging between 1-30+ Ah. Phase I will demonstrate the technology feasibility at the laboratory scale and produce a cell design incorporating the developed technology in order to project impact on performance and cost. The results of Phase I will guide scale-up efforts in Phase II, where multi-Ah prototypes will be developed and produced based on the Phase I cell design.

Imperia Batteries, a division of Physical Sciences Inc., proposes to develop and prototype a modular, safe, high energy density Jetboot battery system by combining next generation electrode and separator technologies. The modular design will allow for a single or dual module battery pack providing a lightweight and high capacity battery solution, respectively. Imperia’s battery improves safety by reducing the possibility of a cell short-circuit via electrode misalignment, gas bubble generation, or by melting or shrinking of the separator when exposed to high temperatures. This safety technology will be combined with a proven high capacity silicon composite anode. This anode material has been demonstrated to reduce cell weight and increase energy density. During the Phase II program, a high capacity unit cell will be designed and incorporated into the single and dual module designs. Additionally, Imperia will produce prototype battery units. Imperia will work with Patriot3 to integrate those batteries into cases designed and produced by Patriot3 to ensure the battery meets the form, fit, and function of the Jetboot application. Modules will be submitted for UN38.3 certification. This program will result in safe batteries with ~50% increase in energy over the current COTS solution.