Advanced Materials and Chemistries for Electrochemical Energy Storage Devices

The objective of this proposal is to demonstrate the feasibility of developing advanced battery chemistries that provide batteries operate safely at specific energies higher than 100 Wh/kg, energy densities over 600 Wh/l. The olivine-type phosphate cathodes are attractive. The stable nature of the olivine-type structure having a PO43− polyanion with a strong P–O covalent bond provides not only excellent cycle-life but also a safe system. Further, olivines are resistant to overcharge and thermal degradation, and are inherently safer than oxides that may release oxygen at inopportune times. The robust covalent bonding of PO43−, however, reduces the compounds’ ionic conductivities, and olivines require additional treatment with conductive aids to perform at reasonable capacities. Yardney Technical Products proposes to develop a high voltage (5V) olivine-type phosphate cathode, and a suitable electrolyte system for high energy Li-ion battery.