Battery tech corporations South 8 Applied sciences and NanoGraf are collaborating to develop higher-capacity, safer and lighter batteries for the US Military. Below a $6.4-million subcontract with NanoGraf, South 8 will develop a high-rate injection system for its LiGas electrolyte to bolster home manufacturing of cylindrical lithium-ion batteries.
At the moment’s troopers lug round large quantities of Li-ion batteries—generally greater than 20 kilos value—to energy all their high-tech devices. The danger of poor efficiency attributable to excessive climate or bodily harm forces them to schlep a number of batteries as backups. South 8 and NanoGraf goal to alleviate these points by producing a extra dependable and lighter battery.
South 8’s LiGas is “a liquefied gasoline electrolyte that dramatically improves the power efficiency, security, charging pace and value of lithium-ion batteries.” Functions embrace protection, aerospace, stationary storage and electrical automobiles. Utilizing South 8’s LiGas know-how, NanoGraf plans to prototype a high-energy, rugged and scalable 18650 cell design that guarantees to lighten the load for troopers within the subject and cut back provide chain dangers by establishing North American manufacturing.
“Our objective is to enhance soldier security, army capabilities, and the home lithium-ion battery provide chain,” mentioned Tom Stepien, CEO of South 8. “Whereas at this time’s lithium-ion batteries wrestle with poor capability in troublesome climates, our LiGas electrolyte instantly addresses vital ache factors by enhancing vary and efficiency in excessive environments, whereas minimizing fireplace danger throughout essential missions.”
“Including the security and excessive temperature capabilities of South 8’s LiGas electrolyte to our silicon anode 18650 cells has the potential to yield a robust product with distinctive advantages in comparison with different business cells,” mentioned Dr. Francis Wang, CEO of NanoGraf.
“At the moment’s profitable and protected army operations require long-lasting, versatile battery know-how,” mentioned José Collazo-Castillo of the Military’s DEVCOM C5ISR Middle. “We look ahead to seeing how the mix of South 8 and NanoGraf’s applied sciences can assist the US construct and produce larger performing, cross-compatible battery cell know-how and assist fortify the availability chain for the way forward for nationwide safety.”
Supply: South 8 Applied sciences