32
An
Advanced Cathode Material for Li-Ion Batteries--A123
Systems, 8 Saint Mary's Street,
Dr.
G.N. Riley, Principal Investigator,
Mr.
David P. Vieau, Business Official, dave@123systems.com
DOE
Grant No. DE-FG02-02ER86138
Amount:
$749,160
Currently
available Li-ion batteries do not meet Department of Energy targets for electric
vehicle (EV) or hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) applications.
The problem is that today’s cathode materials do not allow the specific
energy and power density targets to be achieved while simultaneously being low
cost, safe under abusive conditions, and environmentally benign.
This project will develop electronically
conductive lithium cathode materials, which have low raw- materials and
manufacturing costs, high energy and power densities, and are electrochemically
stable under
extreme conditions, and
environmentally benign. In
Phase I, compositions and synthesis procedures were developed for a class of
doped, lithium-transition-metal-phosphate cathodes having electronic
conductivities exceeding 10-3 S/cm at room temperature as well as
novel nanoparticulate morphologies enabling high utilization at high rates.
Cathodes of conventional formulations were fabricated and tested, and
exhibited high charge capacities of 155 mAh/g at low rates (C/5) while also
retaining capacities as high as 75 mAh/g for 50C rate deep discharge.
These properties suggest exceptional continuous discharge and pulse-power
capabilities in full cells. In Phase
II, a pilot-scale process will be developed for cathodes that can meet DOE cost
targets in full-scale production. Cells
with greater than 0.2Ah capacity will be developed using these cathodes.
Pulse-power, cycle life, and accelerated-calendar-life tests will be
conducted according to DOE protocols.
Commercial Applications and Other
Benefits
as described by awardee: The new
cathode material should allow for the development of high power density, low
cost batteries that are safe at larger cell sizes.
Potential applications include the growing HEV market, future fuel cell
hybrids, and backup power systems.