Available Technologies

Executive Summary

Lithium ion batteries are currently ubiquitous in numerous applications while lithium metal batteries are becoming closer to commercialization. For all batteries, there is a continuous need for higher energy density and fast charging and discharging due to growing applications such as e-vehicles. One limitation of lithium based batteries is the problem of lithium dendrite formation during fast charging which can cause shorts and fires. Researchers at Michigan State University have recently developed a new electrolyte system for lithium batteries that allows fast charging without dendrite formation. The electrolyte allows lower than 1 N/P ratios of anode/cathode capacity and thus high energy densities above 300 W/kg.

Description of the Technology

The technology for Li-ion and Li-metal battery systems uses a new electrolyte system. The electrolyte system has been tested on 2032 coin cell configuration test apparatus with a graphite anode and LiNMC811 cathode. Comparisons have been made to “Gen 2” LiPF6 EC:EMC electrolytes. After 2000 cycles at fast charging, the system had neglible areal discharge capacity and maintained 90% columbic efficiency.

Benefits

• Low N/P levels down to 0.7
• High energy densities over 300 W/kg
• Allows fast charging (< 15 min) of batteries and low temperature (-30^oC) operation
• Superior cycle performance (tested over 2000 cycles) at fast charging rates compared to leading benchmark
• Can be used in existing battery configurations

Applications

• Li-ion batteries
• Li-metal batteries

Patent Status

Patent pending, published application

Licensing Rights

Full licensing rights available

Inventors

Dr. Chengcheng Fang, Robert Kuphal

TECH ID

TEC2023-0082