SBIR Phase II: Lithium Reservoir Nanocarbons for Lithium Ion Batteries

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This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop Li-ion battery anodes that exploit the unique morphology of low cost carbon nanofibers (CNF). Primary efforts will focus on reduction of irreversible capacity, through a variety of nanofiber surface modification techniques, characterization of the upper limits of anode discharge rate, and development of a new type of compound anode material that combines CNF with elements that form high energy alloys of lithium. The latter effort has the potential to combine the high rate capability of CNF with the higher operation voltage of alloys in a manner that synergistically increases the reversible capacity of both components of the compound anode. Safe, rechargeable, inexpensive Li-ion batteries are enjoying a growing customer base in diverse markets from consumer electronics to space vehicles. The unique morphology of carbon nanofibers and the fact that these materials can readily be transitioned into an existing client base of Li-ion battery producers and users, holds great promise for this cutting-edge research.