This proposal seeks to develop a high-energy lithium-ion battery with enhanced safety enabled by a cost-effective graphene-protected nano-Si anode and a non-flammable electrolyte. Graphene possesses ultra-high mechanical strength and high electrical conductivity, thereby limiting the anode expansion during charging and also improving the utilization of the semi-conductive silicon material. To address the key issue inhibiting commercialization, the extremely high cost of nano-Si, Nanotek has proceeded to develop a highly scalable process to produce Si nanowires directly from low-cost, micron-scaled Si particles (currently $3-$7/kg). This surprisingly simple and effective technology is expected to enable the availability of Si nanowires at a cost less than $15/kg, which is close to the commercial graphite material ($10-$20/kg) but with much higher specific capacity (over 2,000 mAh/g). Nanoteks non-flammable electrolyte technology including solvent-in-salt design and ionic liquids will be evaluated to guarantee the safety of the batteries equipped on aircrafts or electric vehicles. Several goals are expected by the completion of Phase I: (a) demonstration of a low cost ( 500 cycles and passing preliminary safety specifications.
Benefit: The proposed technology would solve long-standing cost and performance barriers that have inhibited the widespread implementation of LIBs with high-energy silicon anodes for DoD applications, specifically within naval aircraft. When successfully developed, Nanoteks technology will pave a way to cut lithium-ion battery costs from greater than $500/kWh currently to less than $250/kWh. Our non-flammable electrolyte can significantly reduce the concerns of battery explosion and potential fire hazards. The developed technology will also be well suited for commercial applications, such as within electric vehicles, along with multiple DoD systems, resulting in economies of scale. These technologies will positively impact several of this nations energy-related initiatives with the goals of reducing greenhouse gas and other emissions and alleviating dependence on imported fossil fuel, and assist the U.S. to lead in energy storage technology in defense applications. Security: Increased use of EVs would further decrease U.S. dependence on foreign oilthe transportation sector is the dominant source of this dependence. The manufacturing knowhow and facilities will be housed in the US to provide the DoD with a domestic source of next generation materials and technology. By keeping the battery requirements domestic, the proposal will also work to reduce espionage concerns associated with sourcing from foreign corporations. Environment: By utilizing the developed technology in automotive applications, the U.S. can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, 28% of which come from the transportation sector. Economy: This battery would enable an EV to travel up to 500 miles on a single charge, for less than $10 on average. Jobs: This project would help position the U.S. as a leader in rechargeable battery anode manufacturing. Currently, the U.S. manufactures only a small percentage of all rechargeable batteries, despite inventing the majority of battery technologies. Commercial applications: Due to the high energy and safety features of the proposed battery system, the developed technology could be perfectly employed in not only aircrafts or EVs, but also portable consumer electronics, unmanned aerial systems/drones, unmanned ground systems, and military portable power applications. The cost benefit from the proposed manufacturing can accelerate the widespread commercialization of the high-energy lithium-ion batteries.
Keywords: Silicon Anode, Silicon Anode, Lithium-Ion Battery, safe battery, Low Cost, Graphene, energy storage
