Lithium rechargeable batteries and switchable electrochromic (EC) smart window devices both commonly employ metal oxide electrode materials. For lithium polymer batteries and EC devices, oxides with high specific energies are required. The objective of this proposal is to define through parametric development the sol-gel synthesis and process conditions necessary to form lithium chromium oxide (s) which reportedly can cycle reversibly very large amounts of lithium and have optical properties compatible with the EC device applications. SAGE Corporation - in collaboration with a group of research specialists at Rutgers University's Center for Ceramic Research (CCR) and at Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company (3M) - propose to synthesize, characterize and evaluate films of lithium chromium oxide. A sol-gel processing route under conditions which will lead to chromium oxide. A sol-gel processing route under conditions which will lead to chromium in higher oxidation states will be used. These film materials will be incorporated in both lithium battery and EC test devices. The electrochemical behavior of physical vapor formed lithium chromium oxides. If the gel-derived film materials prove as high in energy density as expected, attempts will be initiated to prepare gel-derived powders suitable for use as the cathode in lithium polymer batteries. Anticipated
Benefits: This project impacts directly on the commercial development of both lithium polymer batteries and energy saving EC smart windows. The lithium polymer battery is being supported heavily for electric vehicle applications by the US Advanced Battery Consortium and will have many uses in portable both military and consumer applications. The architectural and transportation markets in the emerging industry for EC smart windows are also huge, in the billions of dollars.
