Zeta Energy Corp. has been awarded a $4 million grant from the US Department of Energy’s Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO) to develop and commercialize its high-capacity lithium-sulfur battery technology. The VTO program aims to accelerate the development of innovative, equitable, and clean mobility solutions that increase the range of electric vehicles (EVs) and address concerns regarding the battery supply chain for EVs. One specific goal of the program is to further advance long-cycle-life and high-energy-density lithium-sulfur cells.
Zeta Energy has developed a sulfur-graphene material that utilizes the high energy density of sulfur while mitigating the “polysulfide shuttle effect.” Sulfur has long been of interest for battery applications due to its theoretical energy density, which is significantly higher than traditional materials used in lithium-ion batteries. Sulfur is also inexpensive and widely available, unlike many other materials in the battery supply chain. Zeta Energy’s lithium-sulfur batteries do not contain cobalt, manganese, nickel, or graphene and can be fully sourced from domestic resources. Additionally, lithium-sulfur batteries have a significantly smaller CO2 footprint than other batteries and are less susceptible to thermal degradation.
Despite the advantages of lithium-sulfur batteries, previous attempts to commercialize them have been hindered by the “polysulfide shuttle,” in which sulfur migrates to the electrolyte, rapidly deteriorating battery performance. Zeta Energy’s sulfur-graphene technology effectively binds sulfur during battery operation, preventing the polysulfide shuttle effect and enabling the batteries to achieve over a thousand cycles. While Zeta Energy also holds a patented three-dimensional lithium metal anode that further enhances battery performance, durability, and cost-effectiveness, this project will showcase the utilization of Zeta Energy’s sulfur-graphene energy module with various commercially available anodes.
Tom Pilette, CEO of Zeta Energy, said, “We are excited and grateful to collaborate with the Department of Energy on this project aimed at improving the performance of EV batteries. Lithium-sulfur technology is the next big thing – it will revolutionize the performance, weight, cost, and environmental sustainability of batteries and battery-powered products. This project will allow us to demonstrate how lithium-sulfur batteries can transform the EV industry and enhance US manufacturing competitiveness.”
Program Objectives of the US Department of Energy’s Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO)
The VTO program was created to accelerate the development of innovative, equitable, and clean mobility solutions that increase the range of electric vehicles and address concerns regarding the battery supply chain for EVs.
What are Lithium-Sulfur Cells?
Lithium-sulfur cells are high-capacity batteries that utilize sulfur as an energy source. Sulfur has long been of interest due to its high energy density.
What are the advantages of Lithium-Sulfur batteries?
Lithium-sulfur batteries are cheaper and more accessible compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. Additionally, they have a significantly smaller CO2 footprint and are less prone to thermal degradation.
What is the “Polysulfide Shuttle” and how does it affect the performance of Lithium-Sulfur batteries?
The “polysulfide shuttle” is the phenomenon where sulfur migrates to the electrolyte, deteriorating battery performance. Zeta Energy’s sulfur-graphene technology prevents this effect by binding sulfur during battery operation.
What are Zeta Energy’s plans for this project?
As part of this project, Zeta Energy aims to commercialize its high-capacity lithium-sulfur battery technology. Specifically, they will showcase sulfur-based batteries utilizing various commercially available anodes.
What benefits can Lithium-Sulfur technology bring?
Lithium-sulfur technology can revolutionize the performance, weight, cost, and environmental sustainability of batteries and battery-powered products.
Are there any external links related to this topic?
There are no external links available related to this topic.
The source of the article is from the blog japan-pc.jp