LARGE LITHIUM POLYMER BATTERY DEVELOPMENT - THE IMMOBILE SOLVENT CONCEPT

The program to develop large lithium-metal, polymer electrolyte batter ies for electric traction and stand-by power is reviewed. Dry polymer electrolyte conductivity improvement through research into polymers an d lithium salts has led to a thin-film lithium polymer battery that op erates in the range of 60 to 40 degrees C. Recent developments in larg e lithium polymer cell design and production are given, including prel iminary results on lithium polymer cell production for the US Advanced Battery Consortium (USABC). Results of stand-by and cycle-life tests on small laboratory cells over several years are also presented confir ming the electrolyte's exceptional stability in the lithium rechargeab le-cell environment.