University of Illinois, Chicago (UIC)

The University of Illinois, Chicago is developing a lithium-air (Li-Air) battery technology using a ceramic-based solid-state electrolyte to enable fully renewable, safe, and affordable airborne delivery of goods, services, and people. A technological bottleneck of Li-Air systems for aviation is operating at high enough current densities per area. To overcome this challenge, the proposed approach leverages interfacial engineering of the ceramic solid-state electrolyte and a cathode electrode with a multiscale hierarchical porous design.

The University of Illinois Chicago’s technology can catalyze the broad electrification of the aviation sector by developing exceptionally high-energy storage solutions. The proposed Li-Air battery can potentially achieve a 4X higher energy density than conventional lithium batteries and offer the enhanced safety benefits of solid-state batteries compared with a liquid electrolyte.