Lifetime Prediction of Li Metal Batteries

TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY Lifetime Prediction of Li Metal Batteries A diagnostic technique for rapidly predicting the failure mechanisms of Li metal batteries to estimate battery life Opportunity: Idaho National Laboratory (INL), managed and operated by Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC (BEA), is offering the opportunity to enter into a license and/or collaborative research agreement to commercialize this fast diagnosis technology. This technology transfer opportunity is part of a dedicated effort to convert government-funded research into job opportunities, businesses and ultimately an improved way of life for the American people. Overview: Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries have become ubiquitous in our daily lives powering most portable electronic and optoelectronic devices throughout the world. However, widespread adoption of electric vehicles will require higher energy batteries that can further reduce cost beyond current levels for Li-ion batteries. Lithium metal serving as an anode has the potential to double or triple the energy stored in rechargeable Li batteries. However, they typically have short cycling lifetimes due to parasitic reactions between the Li metal and electrolyte. Early fault-detection for different failure mechanisms and quick lifetime-prediction methods are urgently needed to ensure rapid development of Li metal batteries. Prior efforts to determine the dominant failure mechanisms have typically required destructive failure analysis. Description: This new technology from INL is a simple, non-destructive, and real-time diagnostic method based on rest voltages and coulombic efficiency. These parameters are used to easily differentiate cell failures due to loss of Li inventory, electrolyte depletion, and increased cell impedance. Using this new diagnostic method, the maximum lifetime of a Li metal cell can be quickly predicted from tests of corresponding anode-free cells. This enables rapid screening of electrolytes, characterization of anode stability, optimization of operating conditions, and rational battery design. Benefits: Significant time savings of battery design – test limited cycles through fast diagnosis and early life prediction. Cost savings based on reduced time requirements and facile purely electrochemical method. Highly safety based on a simple, non-destructive and real-time electrochemical diagnostic method. Applications: Rapid diagnosis of lithium metal battery failure Early prediction about cell lifetime Development Status: TRL 2. This technology is in the concept stage and is in need of further testing. IP Status: US Patent Application No. 17/249,158, “Methods and Systems for Diagnosis of Failure Mechanisms and For Prediction of Lifetime of Metal Batteries,” BEA Docket No. BA-1167. Additional Information [RMB1] Gao, N., Abboud, A. W., Mattei, G. S., Li, Z., Corrao, A. A., Fang, C., Liaw, B., Meng, Y. S., Khalifah, P. G., Dufek, E. J., & Li, B. (2020, November 3). Fast Diagnosis of Failure Mechanisms and Lifetime Prediction of Li Metal Batteries . Wiley Online Library. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/smtd.202000807. INL is seeking to license the above intellectual property to a company with a demonstrated ability to bring such inventions to the market. Exclusive rights in defined fields of use may be available. Added value is placed on relationships with small businesses, start-up companies, and general entrepreneurship opportunities. Companies interested in learning more about this licensing opportunity should contact Andrew Rankin at [email protected].