Fast Charging, Solid-State, Roll-to-Roll Processed Li Metal Batteries Enabled by Intercalated Ions in Cellulose Molecular Channels

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Program:
OPEN 2021
Award:
$2,600,000
Location:
College Park, Maryland
Status:
ACTIVE
Project Term:
06/24/2022 - 06/23/2025
Website:

Technology Description:

The University of Maryland (UMD) recently invented an elegant and scalable molecular engineering technique for fabricating a cellulose nanofiber (CNF)-based SSE that could overcome many of these problems. Unlike current SSEs, the CNF-based SSE uses natural materials, is easy to process, and is compatible with conventional coating processes. It can also be inexpensively manufactured due to its low material cost and paper-like roll-to-roll manufacturing, both as standalone electrolyte films and the electrolyte portion of solid-state cathodes for lithium ion and metallic lithium cells. UMD’s CNF-based SSEs will be capable of enabling electric vehicles (EV) with high energy and fast charge, promoting U.S. leadership in the EV market.

Potential Impact:

UMD’s application of expanded cellulose as a disruptive solid-state polymer electrolyte can potentially address all the problems that have prevented fast-charging Li metal batteries.

Security:

UMD’s cellulose-based batteries will be capable of enabling electric vehicles (EV) with high energy and fast charge, ensuring reliable transportation.

Environment:

This technology could enable wider EV adoption, reducing U.S. reliance on fossil fuels that create harmful greenhouse gas emissions.

Economy:

The price of the fast-charging CNF-based SSE is estimated be < 60 $/kWh, much lower than current commercial Li-ion batteries and other potential solid-state batteries.

Contact

ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. Halle Cheeseman
Project Contact:
Prof. Liangbing Hu
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
binghu@umd.edu

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Release Date:
02/11/2021