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DIRECTED ENERGY PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY

Abstract: 24-Symp-089

UNCLASSIFIED, PUBLIC RELEASE

CO2-Derived Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes Enable High Energy and High Power Lithium-Ion Cells with Fast Recharge Times

SkyNano is developing novel CO2-derived multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as conductive additives for boosting power density and long-term energy density of lithium-ion electrodes for use in mission critical USAF and USSF advanced battery applications such as satellites, spacecraft, and aircraft. When blended with the traditional carbon black (CB) conductive additives, MWCNTs provide a variety of benefits to lithium-ion battery (LIB) electrode performance such as superior electronic and thermal conductivity, higher capacity at higher discharge rates (i.e. higher power density), faster charging rates, reduced capacity fade over long-term cycling, and improved electrode mechanical integrity (i.e. for conformable LIBs). The main challenge preventing widespread MWCNT integration in LIBs today is the high cost of $100-200/kg in bulk quantities, which corresponds to $2-5/kWh of storage capacity. SkyNano's low-cost, environmentally sustainable method of producing MWCNTs provides a pathway to $30/kg, or about $0.50-0.60/kWh.

This poster presentation will focus on the advancements made with SkyNano's unique MWCNT morphology over conventional pure CB based electrodes where we have partnered with Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Eonix Energy, and Navitas Systems to prepare electrode dispersions, complete anode and cathode coatings, and test the electrodes in coin and pouch cells. Performance trends and positive effects of SkyNano's conductive additive enhancement strategy will be discussed from a systematic optimization standpoint ranging from a MWCNT:CB ratio of 0.1 to 0.5, which include NMC 532 cathode rate capability improvement, capacity fade reduction, and extreme fast charging acceptance over 500 cycles, as well as 30%/55% Si/graphite anode polarization reduction and electronic conductivity enhancement.

UNCLASSIFIED, PUBLIC RELEASE