Singapore Battery Consortium

Lithium ion (Li-ion) battery is now the dominant energy storage system in portable electronics and electric vehicles (EV). The rapid expanding EV is driving the demand for next generation high-energy batteries. Compared to conventional Li-ion batteries with graphite anode, which has a theoretical capacity of 372 mAh/g, lithium-metal batteries can deliver ten times of specific capacity (3860 mAh/g). Theoretically, anode-free batteries can double the energy density in volume compared to Li-ion batteries at the cell level. However, current anode-free batteries suffer from faster capacity decay due to poor lithium plating on Cu foil. To overcome this challenge, the technology owner has developed a liquid electrolyte comprising lithium difluoro(oxalate)borate (LiDFOB) and a carbonate solvent, enabling reversible lithium plating of anode-free lithium metal batteries. This electrolyte ensures good thermal stability with smooth Li plating of counter electrode on the anodic side even at elevated temperatures. It facilitates a capacity retention of above 80% after 100 cycles for an anode-free battery or 80% after 400 cycles for a battery with a Li metal anode. The technology owner seeks collaboration with industrial partners such as battery developers and manufacturers for further co-development and test-bedding of electrolyte and subsequent licensing of this technology for commercialisation.

All-solid-state lithium-ion batteries (LiBs), also known as the most promising next-generation batteries, have attracted much attention due to their high energy density and safety. The replacement of liquid electrolyte with solid electrolyte could not only improve battery safety and also prolong its lifetime. The most commonly used solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) are poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) based, which typically have poor mechanical properties, low ionic conductivity, and a limited oxidation window, thus precluding their use with high-voltage cathodes. Therefore, it is essential to develop cross-linked SPEs with high oxidative stability for high-voltage all-solid-state LiBs in high energy applications. The technology owner has developed a reprocessible cross-linked cationic polytriazolium (PT) based SPE for all-solid-state LiBs. This PT-based SPE is electrochemically stable at voltages >4.0 V, exhibiting a high ionic conductivity below the melting point as well as a high Li+ transference number. In addition to its electrochemical characteristics, this PT-based electrolyte is reprocessible and healable with good flexibility. Such polymeric electrolytes could sustain internal and external stresses during the charging-discharging process, thus prolonging the lifetime of Li-ion batteries while simultaneously tackling safety issues. The technology owner is keen to collaborate with industrial partners such as battery developers and manufacturers for further co-development and test-bedding of solid polymer electrolytes and subsequent licensing of this technology for commercialisation.

Recently, the rising adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and portable electronics has made electronic waste (e-waste) pollution worse, especially when small and low-power IoT devices are single-use only. As such, low-cost and environmentally friendly power sources are in high demand. The technology owner has developed an eco-friendly liquid-activated primary battery for single-use and disposable electronic devices. The battery can be activated by any aqueous liquid and is highly customisable to specific requirements (i.e., shape, size, voltage, power) of each application. This thin and flexible battery can be easily integrated into IoT devices, smart sensors, and medical devices, providing a sustainable energy solution for low-power and single-use applications. The technology owner is keen to do R&D collaboration and IP licensing to industrial partners who intend to use liquid-activated batteries to power the devices.