NMP-Free Lithium Ion Electrodes for Battery Manufacturing
NCMS Project #: 140924
Problem: Current Li-ion battery manufacturing processes use N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP) to fabricate the electrodes. However, the employment of NMP battery production adds considerably to both the capital and operating costs of a fabrication facility and presents considerable environmental control problems.
Benefit: Lithium ion batteries have been integrated into a wide range of consumer products because of their utility and affordability. Advances in battery performance can improve their utility, reduce costs, and reduce environmental burdens associated with production and disposal of batteries. The work in this project will advance batteries designed for electric vehicles or personal and industrial use. Electric vehicles can reduce the United States’ dependence on petroleum feedstocks, reduce harmful air emissions, and have a lower cost to operate.
Solution/Approach: The objective of this project is to reduce battery cost and improve performance. Manufacturing improvements that eliminate the use of costly, hazardous solvents will lower production costs. Advanced cathode coatings also have the potential to reduce material waste and speed production, yielding further cost benefits. Novel cathode architectures will be evaluated to assess their ability to improve battery electrochemical performance, with a goal of delivering energy/power ratios needed for military functionality.
Impact on Warfighter:
- Improve environmental impacts
- Expand renewable energy sources
- Reduce maintenance costs
- Improve readiness
DOD Participation:
- U.S. Army TARDEC
Industry Participation:
- PPG Industries, Inc.
- Navitas
- NCMS
Benefit Area(s):
- Maintenance avoidance and reliability
- Positive environmental impact
Focus Area:
- Energy, environmental, health, and safety