Energy Technologies

Mission

The mission of the Energy Technologies Group at PSI is to develop advanced materials and processes that can be leveraged for improvements in energy generation, storage and distribution. Our focus is on developing technologies that improve the operating temperature range, performance, and safety of lithium ion batteries. PSI is active in the development of lithium ion batteries as a source of portable power that addresses the needs of industrial and national defense communities.

        
Representation of 3D Battery Architecture   Silicon Whisker Anode Material

 

 

    

 

       
 Demonstration of Improved Discharge Energy on Use of PSI's Low Temperature Separator Electrolyte System   Cathode Coatings for Increased Safety

 

Core Competencies

Core competencies include materials characterization and electrochemical evaluation, battery construction and testing, fuel cell technology and prototype testing, and innovative problem solving. The Energy Technologies Group personnel skills include materials science, electrochemistry, chemical engineering, and mechanical design.

Current Research Thrusts

The Energy Technologies Group at Physical Sciences Inc. is developing technologies for lithium ion batteries. These technologies include a high capacity silicon nano-whisker anode, a high voltage cathode with a very thin protective coating, a coated cathode material for improved safety, and a multifunctional separator for reversible overcharge protection.

Furthermore, we are developing an alternative cell design that uses an interpenetrating electrode configuration to assist with load bearing applications and for higher rate applications. In addition, for thermal barrier applications, we are developing aerogel-based sprayable coatings. 

 

  • High Power and Energy Battery using Nano-Scale 3D Architecture

Sponsor – DARPA-DSO/Air Force Research Laboratory, Kirtland Air Force Base

Objective - The PSI lead team is developing an innovative 3D battery architecture that provides 4 times the run time of a commercially available BB-2590 battery with at least 3 times the power density.

  • Metal Organic Framework (MOF) Based Lithium Ion Electrolyte

Sponsor – Air Force Research Lab, Kirtland Air Force Base

Objective – Fabrication and characterization of a metal organic framework (MOF)/polymer composite separator for low temperature operation of lithium ion batteries.

  • Silicon Whisker and Carbon Nanofiber Composite Anode

Sponsor – NASA Glenn Research Center

Objective – Development, characterization and production scale-up of an anode material that is a composite based on silicon whiskers grown on conductive carbon nanofibers.

  • Electroactive Polymer Coating for Improved Battery Safety

Sponsor – Air Force Research Labs, Wright Patterson Air Force Base

Objective – Development of an electroactive polymer coating (EAP) that may be applied to the surface of cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries to protect against catastrophic cell failure.

  • Metal Phosphate Coating for Improved Cathode Material Safety

Sponsor - NASA Johnson Space Center

Objective – Development of cathode coatings that result in improved cycling, discharge performance and thermal stability of conventional metal oxide materials reducing the potential for catastrophic cell failure. 

 

Area Leadership

Chris Lang

Dr. Christopher Lang

 

The Energy Technologies group is led by Dr. Christopher Lang.  Dr. Lang joined Physical Sciences Inc. after receiving his Ph.D. (2006) in Chemical Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology. His thesis entitled “Development of Quaternary Ammonium based Electrolytes for Rechargeable Batteries and Fuel Cells” examined the utilization of positively charged quaternary ammonium cations in both secondary battery and fuel cell applications. This work included the synthesis and characterization of novel ionic liquids for use as secondary battery electrolytes. Dr. Lang received a BS in Chemical Engineering at the University of California, Irvine. After earning his bachelor’s degree, Dr. Lang worked on building prototype hydrogen fuel cell engines for vehicle applications. His primary focus was the development of thermodynamic models incorporating the fuel cell and relevant supporting hardware. 

As a member of the Materials Systems Enterprise at PSI, he focuses on novel electrochemical systems including the development of a low temperature electrochromic device operating in the infrared and advanced lithium ion batteries utilizing 3D architectures.

For additional informaltion, contact

Dr. Christopher Lang

Physical Sciences Inc.
20 New England Business Center
Andover, MA 01810-1077

Telephone: (978) 689-0003
Fax: (978) 689-3232
lang@psicorp.com
 

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