Project Title:

Lithium Battery Polymer Electrolytes

Technochem Company
203-A Creek Ridge Rd.
Greensboro, NC 27406 4419

93-1		10.10	9440			Amount Requested $70,000

Lithium Battery Polymer Electrolytes

Abstract:

NASA requires a safe, long-cycle-life lithium battery that is 
rechargeable, efficient and reliable for powering space 
electronics.  A solid polymer electrolyte for lithium batteries 
will allow placement of the electrodes in close proximity, bipolar 
cell construction, retardation of undesirable chemical reactions.  
The Phase I program focuses on the synthesis of novel organic 
salts, and polymer electrolytes based on these salts to achieve a 
structure of improved Li+ ion conductivity.  Such a polymeric 
separator is expected to be stable in the chosen Li/MnO2 cell 
chemistry.  The program objectives also include developing a MnO2 
cathode and testing these components in a flat configuration to 
demonstrate the feasibility of a high energy density, compact yet 
safe lithium battery to meet the space mission requirements.
The Phase I program will concentrate upon the development of a 
novel stable solid polymer electrolyte, which is a host structure 
to a high conductivity medium for Li' ions to demonstrate the 
feasibility of improved Li/MnO2 cells.  Phase II will be devoted to 
the development, design, fabrication, and testing of Li/MnO2 
battery prototypes for mission specific NASA applications, 
utilizing the new Li-salts, polymer electrolytes, intercalation 
anodes and cathodes.

A rechargeable, safe, long cycle life, Li/MnO2 battery will fulfill 
NASA requirements for a compact power source for space electronics 
in satellites, space science and planetary exploration programs.  
These batteries, if successfully developed, will also satisfy many 
commercial application requirements for a rechargeable battery in 
portable computers, portable cameras and cellular communications 
systems, and other consumer applications.

Lithium battery, Rechargeable Lithium Battery, Polymer electrolyte, 
Battery Electrolytes, Li/MnO2 battery, Li Salts.