This project may lead to eventual commercialization of new and improved lithium-ion batteries with energy density, which is more than twice the level available today. Introduction of such batteries will likely have a transformational impact on the consumer and emerging specialty markets where reduced cell sizes and weight often command premium profit margins. The first obvious segment of the market is 4C (cordless power tools, cameras & camcorders, cell phones and computer games on-the-go). The second market segment is an emerging PHEV (Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles) - one of emerging sources of US independence from foreign oil. The third segment is military applications, especially for missions in air and water, where component weight and size reductions may carry the price tag of human life.
The proposed development of ultra high energy density, inherently safe and highly efficient advanced battery system is geared towards benefiting two groups of applications within NASA. These are: energy storage in future NASA Exploration missions (e.g. landers and rovers), and creation of the reduced weight alternative to the battery banks, currently used on re-entry vehicles. One of the partners on this proposal has direct experience with building batteries for Mars rovers. Another partner has developed and fully commercialized several battery grade materials for critical application environments.
More »