Nonflammable Lithium-Ion Battery Electrolytes--TechDrive, Inc., 17 W 695 Butterfield Road, Suite A, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181; 630-910-3729
Dr. Robert Filler, Principal Investigator
Dr. Robert Filler, Business Official
DOE Grant No. DE-FG02-99ER82905
Amount: $750,000

Small lithium-ion batteries are now employed in power cellular phones, computers, and cameras. However, before full size batteries can be mass produced for use in electric vehicles, safety-related issues, including flammability of electrolytes, must be addressed. This project will develop significantly improved electrolyte systems that exhibit a high degree of non-flammability and higher flash points, while retaining the current lithium ion battery technology. The Phase I project prepared novel cost-effective flame-retarding additives to the electrolytes for lithium-ion batteries. The materials were found to exhibit very good to excellent thermal and electrochemical stabilities. The Phase II project will synthesize the best flame-retardant additive, optimize it for bulk production, fully characterize the material (including an evaluation of its ability to self-extinguish flammable battery electrolytes), and test it in full size batteries.

Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The availability of safer lithium-ion batteries incorporating selfextinguishing flammable electrolytes should have a wide range of applications in consumer products (cell phones, computers, cameras), automotive products (including electric vehicles) as well as in weapons systems for the military