Mitigating Negative Effects of Polysulfide Dissolution in 18650 Lithium Sulfur Battery
ID: SF241-0018Type: BOTH
Overview

Topic

Mitigating Negative Effects of Polysulfide Dissolution in 18650 Lithium Sulfur Battery

Agency

Department of DefenseN/A

Program

Type: SBIRPhase: BOTHYear: 2024

Topic Link

https://www.sbir.gov/node/2479869

Additional Information

https://www.defensesbirsttr.mil/SBIR-STTR/Opportunities/
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the topic "Mitigating Negative Effects of Polysulfide Dissolution in 18650 Lithium Sulfur Battery" as part of their SBIR 24.1 BAA program. The objective of this topic is to improve the cycle life and capacity retention of Lithium-Sulfur battery chemistry by addressing and resolving the negative effects of parasitic polysulfide reactions. The current state-of-practice specific energy in 18650 Li-ion cells used in space missions is low, and Lithium-Sulfur chemistry has been identified as a promising solution to achieve higher energy rechargeable power sources. However, practical issues with Lithium-Sulfur chemistry, such as polysulfide shuttling, result in low Sulfur utilization and capacity fade. This topic aims to investigate methods to mitigate the inhibiting effects of polysulfide dissolution and improve its volumetric energy density. The research will involve the feasibility study of practical solutions, synthesis and characterization of proof-of-concept materials, optimization of materials, and testing the impact on the cyclability of resultant Lithium-Sulfur cells. The ultimate goal is to develop 18650 cells with a specific energy of 450 W-h/kg and 500 cycles of at least 80% capacity retention at 20% DOD. Successful development in Phases I and II provides opportunities for transition to the USSF's supply chain into programs of record. The solicitation is closed, and more information can be found on the DOD SBIR 24.1 BAA program page.

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