High-Energy, Rechargeable, Low-Cost Batteries for Train and Ship Electrification
Technology Description:
The University of Maryland is developing rechargeable lithium carbon monofluoride cathode chemistry to meet the PROPEL1K Category B technical targets. This new chemistry builds on previous work at UMD on halogen conversion-intercalation chemistry but targets significantly higher energy through active material, electrolyte, and other cell chemistry modifications. The cell is assembled in the discharged state, significantly lowering cost relative to high-energy Li-metal cells that are built in the charged state (and hence require the use of Li-metal foils). The cell chemistry work will be combined with performance and cost modeling at several scales to demonstrate a path to meet the final system PROPEL1K targets.
Market Impact Potential:
The University of Maryland is enabling the electrification of railroads and ships by a transformational energy storage technology with an energy content and other metrics that enable their use. With careful selection of cell materials and processing conditions, this technology has a pathway to achieve the PROPEL1K cost targets. In addition to railroad and ship applications, this new battery chemistry may also demonstrate market impact in heavy-duty trucking and other areas.