CFD Research Grant for Novel Nanostructured Anode Materials For Thermal Batteries With Enhanced Electronic Conductivity

Available thermal battery technologies cannot meet future requirements that call for higher power and capacity with a smaller footprint. CFD Research Corp.(Huntsville, AL) received $69,969 in a U.S. Recovery Act Grant to develop (design, fabricate, test and demonstrate) novel  for thermal batteries with enhanced electronic conductivity and Li+ storage capacity. Computational models will be used to optimize technology concepts, and samples of the novel materials will be synthesized, tested and characterized. Materials, chemistries and synthesis processes and techniques will be optimized to maximize performance with improved manufacturability. Test cells containing the novel electrode materials will developed and battery testing will be carried out.

The major outcome of Phase II of the project will be a high power and capacity anode material for thermal batteries. Among DoD needs, the developed technology will find ready applicability the U.S. Army missile systems, including legacy and emerging programs. In addition, the technology will be aggressively marketed to other government agencies and industries such as aviation, agriculture, health care, etc. Deliverables of the effort include novel electrode materials, chemistries and synthesis processes, as well as test cell design and performance data.