C
R
A
D
A
Graphite Lithium-Ion
Battery Anodes
Problem:
This
Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) will develop anodes for Lithium
batteries using unique carbon-based materials developed by Applied Sciences Incorporated.
The material, Vapor Grown Carbon Fiber (VGCF), is not suitable for battery anode
fabrication as now produced but, growth parameters can be varied to enhance the material
properties important to anode performance. The scientific study to be conducted under this
CRADA will investigate the growth and anode characteristic parameter space to produce the
highest possible battery performance.
Solution: VGCF as produced by Applied Sciences, Inc. is a discontinuous, highly-graphitic carbon fiber which can be synthesized with a wide range of diameters and lengths. The high index of graphitization possible with VGCF makes it potentially useful for a number of applications, including use as an anode material in Lithium-ion batteries.
Benefits:
- Applied Sciences, Inc. will receive invaluable material development information that could lead to a major new business segment for the company. The market potential for Lithium-ion batteries is projected to be huge and Applied Sciences, Inc. stands to become a major supplier of anode material for the industry. Cost will be a large factor in determining market penetration and the understanding of the influence of the various growth parameters on material properties should help in the development of a minimum-cost process.
- In addition, Applied Sciences, Inc. will gain an insight into the effects of growth parameters on material properties that could have far-reaching benefits in other areas of material growth.
- The Air Force uses a wide variety of batteries in space, airborne and ground systems. The Lithium battery will replace current batteries in many of these applications with attendant weight reductions.
Current Status:
- Applied Sciences, Inc. is preparing an improved set of anode materials to be delivered to the Air Force Research Laboratory Propulsion Directorate (AFRL/PR) for evaluation.
- The AFRL/PR is involving contractors to assure validity of the sample preparation and evaluation and this is still a key feature of this effort.
- The project is proceeding very well.
If you have any questions about this Cooperative Research and Development Agreement or are interested in getting more information about technology transfer and CRADA projects, please contact Jim Singer at Wright Technology Network (937) 253-0217 or CRADA@wtn.org
