Enabling Fast Charging Batteries with 3D Lithium Metal Architectures and Sulfurized Carbon Cathodes

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Program:
EVs4ALL
Award:
$3,100,000
Location:
Houston, Texas
Status:
ACTIVE
Project Term:
05/09/2023 - 05/08/2026

Technology Description:

Zeta Energy will address the main limitations of conventional lithium-sulfur batteries with an innovative battery design, overcoming the challenges of dendrite formation and polysulfide shuttle. Zeta Energy’s battery design features a three-dimensional lithium (Li) metal anode architecture and class of sulfurized carbon (SC) cathodes to produce stable and safe devices. Zeta Energy will build on these innovations to create a new anode with a high Li content that is also highly accessible and rechargeable and avoids dangerous Li dendrite formation. The complementary physical and chemical features of the cathode and anode will enable transformational high charge rates and long-term stability while also minimizing performance losses at low temperatures. Battery cost is reduced by using inexpensive and abundant materials, such as sulfur and natural gas feedstocks, instead of cobalt, nickel, or manganese, to manufacture electrodes.

Potential Impact:

EVs4ALL’s primary objective is to increase the domestic adoption of new and used EVs by enabling safe, resilient, fast-charging batteries with improved performance at low temperatures.

Security:

Solutions will target the use of “noncritical” battery materials, while minimizing the use of cobalt and nickel. A reduced dependence on the importation of critical metals supports U.S. energy independence.

Environment:

80% adoption of EVs in the U.S. could reduce overall CO2 emissions by 800 million tons/year.

Economy:

80% adoption of EVs in the U.S. could reduce annual energy consumption by 4 quadrillion British Thermal Units.

Contact

ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. Halle Cheeseman
Project Contact:
Dr. Rodrigo Salvatierra
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
rodrigo@zetaenergy.com

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Release Date:
05/03/2022