Project Title:

Thermally Stable Electrolytes for Rechargeable Lithium Batteries

10.08-1140
Thermally Stable Electrolytes for Rechargeable Lithium Batteries
Covalent Associates Inc.
52 Dragon Court
Woburn
MA
01801
Koch
Victor R.
NAS7-967
Amount:   
JPL
NAS7-944

Abstract:

   Phase I research has identified two organolithium salts that cycle wellin Li/TiS2 cells containing sulfolane.  Of major importance was the discovery that
one organolithium salt, which failed as a supporting electrolyte, may be used as
a high energy cathode material.  During Phase II, we will further characterize the
stability of organolithium salt/sulfolane electrolytes with Li via SEM/ESCA and a
new grazing angle FTIR technique.  This technique allows for the in situ collection
of infrared data at the Li/electrolyte interface.  Full Li/TiS2 cells incorporating
organolithium salt/sulfolane will be prepared and cycled.  Particular attention will
be paid to cathode composition and electrolyte wettability thereof.  Finally, the
new high energy density cathode material will be cycled in both cyclic ether and
sulfolane-based electrolytes.  Both pressed and pasted cathode formulations will
be studied.  The best combinations of electrolyte and cathode will be extensively
cycled in full cells with an emphasis on temperature, rate, and depth of discharge.
 At the end of Phase II, hermetically sealed cells will be delivered to JPL for inhouse
evaluation.