Description: Energy storage devices in many aerospace applications are facing unique challenges. Most of such applications, including remote surveillance, satellites, reusable launch vehicles, etc. depend on high-performance, highly specialized batteries. In Phase I, STI prepared and tested several sulfur-carbon nanocomposites of different formulations to identify parameters that affect composite performance characteristics. High efficient electrolyte solvent was prepared and demonstrated with high Coulombic efficiency and good cycling performance. During the Phase II, the composite's composition will be optimized further. Electrolyte solvent will be further optimized to increase the purity and Li ion conductivity. In parallel, cells with 500 mAh capacity will be designed and prototype batteries will be fabricated and characterized.

Benefits: The proposed Li sulfur battery systems will enable power and energy storage for future science and exploration missions such as: missions using electric propulsion, robotic missions, lunar exploration missions to NEO and MARS, crewed habitats, astronaut equipment, robotic surface missions to Venus and Europa, polar Mars missions and Moon missions, and distributed constellations of micro-spacecraft.

The Li sulfur battery system also offers benefits to other national needs. This includes national defense systems such as unmanned aerial vehicles, unmanned underwater vehicles (AUV's), and soldier portable power systems. Benefits to the terrestrial energy sector include: all-electric and hybrid cars, grid-scale energy storage systems, smart grid, and remote, off-grid power systems (crewed vehicles and habitats). Lithium sulfur battery has created an interest among industry participants for automotive applications because of its inherent features. A lithium sulfur battery is likely to provide the right solution for the issues that are challenging the demand for lithium-ion batteries in HEVs and EVs.