High energy lithium sulfur batteries can safely provide 500+ Wh/kg and potentially reduce the mass of energy storage systems by up to 50%. Through improving cycle life, the proposed separator advance will address the key limitation for space applications. With improved cycle life, lithium sulfur batteries will meet multi-use or cross platform space energy storage applications. Successfully deployed safe lithium-sulfur batteries would result in significant mass and volume savings and operational flexibility. Potential NASA applications include EVA space suits and tools, human example, lunar and martian landers, construction equipment, rovers, science platforms and surface solar arrays.
If successful, the proposed technology is expected to improve lithium sulfur battery cycle life by >2X which will help enable adoption of lithium sulfur batteries that double the energy of commercial lithium ion batteries. Initial commercial adoption is expected to be commercial electronics, drones, and soldier portable power, with the ultimate target of meeting performance, life and cost goals for Electric Vehicle batteries.
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