SBIR-STTR Award

The overall objective of this research is to prepare novel solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) materials with high conductivity and good electrochemical stability. These SPE materials have the potential for high energy and power density Lithium Rechargeable Batteries that can operate safely with long cycle life. These batteries are required for the left ventricular assist device (LVAD), Gait assist device under development and for defibrillators. Using innovative approaches, new perfluoroalkyl - based lithium polyelectrolytes will be synthesized and used to prepare SPE materials with polyethylene oxide. Conductivity and electrochemical stability of SPE films will be studied. Laboratory prototype cells with SPE films, lithium anode and high voltage cathode will be fabricated and the feasibility demonstrated for rechargeable lithium batteries.Proposed commercial application:High Energy density solid state batteries with long cycle life and safety find immediate use in commercial electronic devices such as LapTop Computers, Cellular Phones and Camcorders and power tools.National Institute of Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)

The overall objective of this research and development project is to synthesize novel solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) of lithium and characterize them for high conductivity and electrochemical stability. New lithium salts and new polymers and oligomeric additives for modification of the SPE polymer matrix will be designed and synthesized. SPB films and composite polymeric films with enhanced conductivity and electrochemical stability will be prepared and optimized. Lithium manganese dioxide cathode and carbon anode films will be prepared and characterized. Laboratory prototype SPE cells with lithium anode solid polymer electrolyte cathode and lithium-ion cells with carbon anode lithium salt solution cathode will be assembled. These cells will be evaluated for their rate capability and cycle life. Hardware cells will be packaged and performance studies will be conducted on single cells and cell packages for rate capability, cycle life, and safety. The goal is to meet the power requirements of modern medical devices such as left ventricular assist devices (LVAD), Gait assist devices, and implantable cardiovascular defibrillators. PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS: Lightweight, reliable lithium polymer batteries with sufficiently high rate capacity, cycle life, and safety would become widely incorporated into medical devices. Current technology permits lithium batteries to be used in devices such as laptop computers, cellular phones, camcorders, and power tools.