Abstract Title   Development of Advanced Electrode Materials for Rechargeable Space Rated Li-Ion Batteries Abstract Author(s)   Joe Gnanaraj Abstract Presenter   Joe Gnanaraj Abstract   Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are attractive candidates for use as power sources in aerospace applications because they have high specific energy, energy density and long cycle life. Advanced human-rated energy rechargeable batteries are required for future robotic and human exploration missions. Advanced Li-based battery systems are sought for use on Exploration mission applications including power for landers, rovers, and Extravehicular activities (EVA). Areas of emphasis include component materials with the potential to achieve weight and volume performance improvements and safety advancements in human-rated systems. Li-based batteries with non-toxic anode and cathode materials, and/or cell designs capable of rapid recharge (< 15 minutes) are sought. Our Phase II program focuses on developing a unique nanostructured electrode manufacturing process using both slurry based coating and electrodeposition methods. Oxide based nanostructured electrodes were manufactured by a two-step electrochemical and slurry based deposition processes. Nanoarchitectured current collectors were first prepared on Cu- and/or Al-foil by alumina template-assisted electrodeposition and/or randomly oriented carbon nanotubes by slurry based coating methods. The active materials were electrochemically deposited and/or coated using slurry based coating method onto the nanoarchitectured current collectors. Nanoengineered electrodes in pouch cells showed excellent rate capabilities compared to that of the planar ones. Nanoarchitectured current collectors provide improved safety due to large surface area contact with the active material, which acts as heat sink in high rate applications and also lower impedance. In another SBIR Phase I program, we synthesized layer structured Li2MnO3 based cathode and composite silicon-based anode, and characterized them in cells. Silicon-based composite anodes comprised of active silicon materials were manufactured using mechanochemical, ball milling, sol-gel processes and high temperature heat treatment. The cathode materials synthesized at low (~480 ?C) and high (~900 ?C) calcination temperatures using mixed hydroxide and/or complex carbonate methods were spherical in shape and about 2 micron in diameter. As-synthesized electrode materials were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) for structure determination, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) for morphology studies, particle size analyses, and the Brunauer Emmett Teller surface area measurements. The manufactured electrode (both anode and cathode) materials were characterized in coin/pouch cells in standard electrolyte solutions.