Grant: Alliance Grants

Lithium ion batteries currently a $26.1 billion USD market, however they can only achieve a specific energy of approximately 200 mAh g-1. However, replacing the graphite anode with Li metal, the batteries specific energy can be doubled. Lithium metal are very promising because Li has extremely high capacity (3860 mAh g-1), however the formation of Li dendrite have greatly hindered their practical application. GBatteries has developed a pulsed charging methodology which enables fast charge (up to 10x vs conventional) without detriment to cell performance or lifetime. Applying GBatteries charging protocols we propose to suppress dendrite growth using lithium metal based batteries to that can provide greater energy capacity and be safely operated with longer lifetimes. The proposal would bring together diverse and inclusive experts in Science and Engineering from 4 different universities across Canada. The team will develop new materials for use as solid and liquid electrolytes in lithium metal-based batteries as well as perform specialized characterization (during operation) to study the degradation mechanisms of these new materials and provide solutions for optimization of lifetime with high charge density. Canadian companies will be able to use this technology to create new products, thereby increasing revenue and market penetration. Great energy density and increased life span means smaller batteries that don't need to be replaced as often, which also provides additional environmental benefits to this growing e-waste problem. Finally, in addition to improved batteries, the technology can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by enabling green technologies.