State of the problem or situation that is being addressed: High-performance battery is one of the key enabling technologies for the new generation of electric vehicles (EVs). All-solid-state lithium-ion batteries (ASSLiBs) with high energy/power density, wide operating temperature range, high realiability, and long cycling life will provide an attractive solution. In particular, when compared to conventional LiBs, ASSLiBs offer excellent safety due to the elimination of flammable and hazard liquid electrolyte. In this SBIR project, Bioenno Tech LLC proposes to develop a novel class of ASSLiBs based on a proprietary solid-state electrolyte (SSE) and high-performance electrodes that enable the use of high voltage cathode and high capacity Li metal anode. The resultant ASSLiBs will exhibit substantially enhanced performance particually in energy density and operation temperature ranges when compared to conventional used Li-ion battery products. General statement of how this problem is being addressed: This project will focus on (1) Further development (optimization and scaling-up) of a high-performance proprietary composite SSE; (2) Demonstration of high energy composite electrodes that are composed of active materials and net-working SSE; (3) Using the obtained electrolyte and electrodes to fabricate high-performance and low-cost ASSLiBs by using an existing pilot-scale production line; and (4) Detailed testings to demonstrate the performance. What is going to do in Phase I: Phase I will focus on the feasibility demonstration of the proposed technical approach, through material design, process development, characterizations, and prototyping. The underlying technical issues that govern the fabrication and performance of these novel ASSLiBs will be identified and addressed. Sub-scale ASSLiB pouch cell prototypes (e.g., ~5V/2Ah) will be fabricated and demonstrated at the end of Phase I, which can be scaled up to 5V/20Ah in the subsequent Phase II. Commercial applications and other
Benefits: The proposed ASSLiB technology will be a crucial enabling technology for the new generation EVs. Once successfully developed, these ASSLiBs will find wide applications in various future EVs (also include hybrid and/or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, HEVs/PHEVs) that require higher energy/power density, excellent safety, wide working temperature range, and longer service/cycle life. Other possible applications include power sources in sensors, mobile electronics, aircraft, and renewable energy storage systems. Based on the integration of these ASSLiBs, the system can be made lighter, smaller, with lower costs and less waste heat generation, and lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
