Grant: Collaborative Research and Development Grants

The development of electrical energy storage systems is of considerable importance due to the increasing energy consumption of portable devices. Over the past 20 years, lithium-ion batteries have been widely studied. Today's most performing Li-ion cells reach a maximum gravimetric energy density of 250 Wh.kg-1. Lithium metal polymer (LMP?) batteries equally offer superior high energy densities as well as cycle and calendar life able to meet the requirements of upcoming applications such as stand-by power and Electrical Vehicles (EV). However, LMP? battery technology requires operation at a temperature above 60°C. This collaborative research project aims at understanding and improving the behavior of LMP? batteries for use in various applications (EV or full-service stationary/standby power equipment). The innovative and key aspect of the project lies in the synthesis of new polymer electrolytes with different electrical, mechanical and electrochemical properties. The aging of the batteries using the new polymer electrolytes will be studied upon operation in different conditions (temperature and current densities). The most promising materials will be integrated in real commercial battery configuration to define their specific electrochemical characteristics and to identify their integration in applications. The success of this CRD project will allow a substantial drop in the battery cost at the conception and operation level. It will also widen the application of the LMP? technology far beyond the EV. The successful development of optimized LMP? batteries will stimulate the economy and contribute to the commitment of Canada to a cleaner environment.