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Synthesis of New Solid Polymer Electrolytes--TPL, Inc., 3921 Academy Parkway North, NE, Albuquerque, NM  87109-4416; 505-342-4412

Dr. Tuqiang Chen, Principal Investigator

Mr. H.M. Stoller, Business Official

DOE Grant No. DE-FG03-00ER83114

Amount:  $99,998

 

The chemical and thermal instabilities of liquid electrolytes have hampered the performance of lithium batteries in terms of power and energy density, cycle and shelf life, and safety.  While solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) have the potential to solve the problems, some of their electrochemical properties, such as ionic conductivity, are not satisfactory for high performance lithium batteries.  TPL, Inc. proposes a new class of solid polymer electrolytes, functional dendritic ionomers (FDIs), for lithium-based batteries.  The FDIs have superior electrochemical properties required for high performance lithium-polymer batteries, because of significantly improved ionic transport and thermal stability.  TPL, Inc. proposes to team with Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) to demonstrate the feasibility of fabricating the new SPEs.  Cells will be made with the new SPEs and evaluated by testing the electrochemical properties.  The P.I. has extensive experience in synthesis of functional dendritic polymers.  SNL has extensive experience in lithium battery chemistry, test, and evaluation.

 

Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee:  Lithium-polymer batteries have extensive applications in commercial products including electric vehicles, radios, telephones, televisions, video cameras, computers, tools, and other consumer products.  They have corresponding applications for the Federal government in defense, spacecraft, and probes.