Novel, Solid-State Hybrid Ultracapacitor Battery

The first technique improves electrolyte densification, which is essential for ion conductivity and battery reliability overall. The process involves the use of a sintering aid (e.g., sulfur) to achieve denser and more stable electrolytes than are achievable through more common, high-temperature processes. Electrolytes that are denser and less porous have higher ion conductivity (thus better performance), longer cycle lives, and lower volatility. Aside from densification, this technique also significantly increased the base electrolyte's lithium wettability. The second innovation is a new cathode and electrolyte design using a mixed conducting material that can carry both ions and electrons, which simplifies the cathode’s composition by eliminating the need for separate ion and electron conductors. This catholyte is a composite that utilizes a mixed conducting material, replacing both the ion and electron conductors with a single material thus simplifying solid state cathode design from a 3-component to 2-component composite. The mixed material is composed of a metal chalcogenide, such as titanium disulfide (TiS2), which can act as a mixed conductor and contributes to energy storage. The addition of sulfur boosts energy capacity up to 33% compared to traditional cathode designs. Reducing single-conduction phases simplifies energy transport pathways and improves efficiency, making solid-state batteries easier to produce and safer to use. These two innovations work together to improve the state of the art, creating solid-state batteries with higher temperature tolerances and up to five times more energy capacity than current lithium-ion batteries. They stand together at a TRL 4 and are available for patent licensing individually or as part of the larger SABERS (LEW-TOPS-167) or SABERS 2.0 portfolio (LEW-TOPS-188).

The SABERS innovators developed novel lithium-sulfur designs, including sulfur-selenium on graphene cathodes, and lightweight bipolar plate stacking and packaging designs. SABERS is unique in several aspects, in particular, it deploys graphene-based manufacturing processes for the cathode and bipolar plates, and it uses a solid-state electrolyte in place of the liquid electrolyte found in other lithium-sulfur battery designs. The team has achieved energy densities over 500 W-hr/kg, with ongoing development targeting further improvements. Coin cell and pouch prototype demonstrations have been successful and are ongoing. Major component technologies in SABERS include the following: • S/Se Cathode – Sulfur/Selenium on graphene scaffold (LEW-20228-1) • Solid Electrolyte – Solid-state electrolyte composites (LEW-20445-1) • Bipolar Stack – Graphene plates (LAR-20257-1) Robust computational models have been developed to support the battery materials design and are available to licensees to evaluate and optimize different materials combinations and performance targets. Further developments in catholyte formulations, anode interlayering, and packaging optimization are presented in SABERS 2.0 (LEW-TOPS-188). Individual technologies can be licensed from either suite, or entire portfolios can be licensed to support solid-state battery development programs.

The original SABERS portfolio established foundational materials and architecture for solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries through innovations in graphene-based cathodes, solid electrolytes, and bipolar plate designs. Building on this foundation, SABERS 2.0 addresses critical challenges that have limited the practical implementation and scalability of solid-state batteries: cathode efficiency and electrolyte performance, anode interface stability, and cell-level packaging optimization. The SABERS 2.0 portfolio comprises four complementary innovations that work together to improve solid-state battery performance and manufacturing viability. Major licensable technologies in the SABERS 2.0 portfolio include: • Mixed Conducting Cathodes and Dense Electrolytes (LEW-TOPS-186): Two complementary innovations in electrolyte densification and catholyte formulation that simplify manufacturing and improve energy capacity, ion conductivity, and battery reliability. • Solvent-Free Anode Interlayer (LAR-TOPS-405): A dry-processed interlayer that prevents dendrite formation, maintains stable interfaces, and enables cost-effective, environmentally friendly manufacturing. • Isostatically Pressurized Cell Case (LEW-TOPS-187): A lightweight pressure vessel system that provides uniform compression to solid-state cells, eliminating the need for heavy machinery while enhancing performance and longevity. These technologies may be licensed independently, as part of the SABERS 2.0 suite, or in custom combination with the technologies in the original SABERS suite (LEW-TOPS-167).

Astronauts' lives depend on the safe performance and reliability of lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries when they are working and living on the International Space Station. These batteries are used to power everything such as communications systems, laptop computers, and breathing devices. Their reliance on safe use of Li-ion batteries led to the research and development of a new device that can more precisely trigger internal short circuits, predict reactions, and establish safeguards through the design of the battery cells and packs. Commercial applications for this device exist as well, as millions of cell phones, laptops, and electronic drive vehicles use Li-ion batteries every day. In helping manufacturers understand why and how Li-ion batteries overheat, this technology improves testing and quality control processes. The uniqueness of this device can be attributed to its simplicity. In a particular embodiment, it is comprised of a small copper and aluminum disc, a copper puck, polyethylene or polypropylene separator, and a layer of wax as thin as the diameter of one human hair. After implantation of the device in a cell, an internal short circuit is induced by exposing the cell to higher temperatures and melting the wax, which is then wicked away by the separator, cathode, and anode, leaving the remaining metal components to come into contact and induce an internal short. Sensors record the cell's reactions. Testing the battery response to the induced internal short provides a 100% reliable testing method to safely test battery containment designs for thermal runaway. This jointly developed and patented technology is available for your company to license and develop into a commercial product. NASA does not manufacture products for commercial sale.

Aluminum-air batteries produce electricity from the reaction of atmospheric oxygen with aluminum. They have extremely high energy densities, but significant problems remain with byproduct removal due to use of traditional electrolytes. The electrolyte used is an aqueous potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution, incorporated into a polymer-based electrolyte matrix. Traditional alkaline electrolytes enable high ionic conductivity but corrode aluminum, wasting active material and releasing hydrogen gas. Unlike free liquid electrolytes, this hybrid design holds the conductive solution in place, providing the same high ionic conductivity while dramatically reducing the uncontrolled corrosion and gas evolution that typically deplete aluminum electrodes. The polymer host also prevents leakage and drying, improving reliability under demanding conditions such as high altitude and variable temperature environments. The aluminum-air battery electrolyte is a lightweight, high-capacity, and inherently safer primary power source that can meet stringent aerospace requirements for emergency and backup energy. Beyond aircraft, the technology’s combination of high energy density, safety, and sustainable byproducts makes it attractive for electric aircraft, defense systems, and other mission-critical applications. The electrolyte for aluminum-air batteries is available for patent licensing.