Development of Solid Nanocomposite Polymer Electrolyte to Enable Lithium Metal Anode Safely Cycling for High Energy Battery Application

Abstract

NASA’s future missions demand advanced batteries with higher energy density, smaller volume, lighter weight and safer operation. Current state-of-the-art lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) reach the specific energy capacity limits (<250 Wh/kg), which is unable to meet the NASA’s future energy goals (>400 Wh/kg), and also pose safety issues due to using the liquid flammable electrolyte. There are intense on-going developmental activities to increase energy density. Lithium (Li)-metal based battery chemistry has the potential to achieve high-energy goals (>400 Wk/kg) to meet NASA’s future mission’s energy requirements. However, the cycle ability and safety of Li metal as anode are challenging because of morphology change and/or Li dendrite growth. Solid polymer electrolyte enhances lithium metal-based battery technology by replacing the liquid electrolyte for safety and flexible of design. However, solid polymer electrolyte has problems of low ionic conductivity (<10-3 S/cm) at ambient temperature, and compatibility issues with lithium metal anode, which act as a barrier for the practical application. Solid polymer nanocomposite electrolyte has been developed to help improve ionic conductivity, provide good compatibility with the Li electrode and mitigate the electrolyte/Li metal interfacial issue. It is a promising approach to enhance Li metal-based battery technology. In this presentation, we will present the result of solid polymer nanocomposite electrolyte to enable Li metal anode safe cycling and for high-energy battery application.