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Technology
to Improve the Performance of Lithium-Ion Cells at Low Temperatures—TIAX,
LLC, 15 Acorn Park, Cambridge, MA 02140-2390;
617-498-5655
Dr.
Karen Thomas-Alyea, Principal Investigator, Thomas-Alyea.Karen@tiaxllc.com
Ms.
Renee Wong, Business Official , wong.renee@tiaxllc.com
DOE
Grant No. DE-FG02-05ER84260
Amount:
$732,443
Hybrid
electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles (PHEVs), and electric
vehicles (EVs) are key technologies for reducing the nation’s dependence on
imported petroleum, reducing greenhouse-gas emissions and air pollution, and
conserving petrochemical feedstocks. Because
lithium-ion batteries have a higher energy density relative to the
presently-used nickel-metal hydride batteries, lithium-ion batteries have the
potential to extend the range of these vehicles, while also reducing battery
mass and size. In particular,
lithium iron phosphate – which offers much higher safety, higher abuse
tolerance, longer cycle life, and lower cost – presents an opportunity to
accelerate the introduction of lithium-ion batteries for automotive
applications. However, the
low-temperature performance of present lithium iron phosphate materials does not
meet the targets of the U.S. Advanced Battery Consortium.
This project will conduct a study to improve the low-temperature
performance of lithium iron phosphate. Phase
I targeted the activation energy for transport processes, as a potential pathway
for improving the low-temperature performance of lithium iron phosphate.
Phase II will continue the strategies identified in Phase I and develop a
material that meets the requirements for automotive batteries at low
temperature.
Commercial
Applications and other Benefits as
described by the awardee: Because
of its great advantages in cost and safety relative to presently-used,
metal-oxide cathode materials, an improved lithium-iron-phosphate cathode would
accelerate the introduction of lithium-ion batteries for hybrid electric vehicle
applications. In a field currently
dominated by a few Asia-based companies, this technology may allow the U.S. to
reclaim large parts of the lithium-ion battery market.