This document presents a lithium-seawater battery developed for undersea sensors and vehicles, addressing the issue of lithium corrosion in seawater. It describes advancements in lithium-ion conductive glass ceramic electrolytes and the overall battery design, which boasts high theoretical specific energy and long-lasting performance. The new generation of pouches features better reliability and pressure tolerance, making them suitable for prolonged underwater missions.

1. Lithium-Seawater Battery for Undersea
Sensors and Vehicles.
Presented to:
General Public Release Overview
AUG 2010
1
Christian Schumacher, MS
Charles J. Patrissi, Ph.D.
Naval Undersea Warfare Center
Newport, RI
DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A.
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

2. Lithium Ion Conductive
Glass Ceramic Electrolyte
Problem: Li corrodes rapidly in seawater
Li + H2O → ½ H2 + Li+ + OH- + ∆
~ 4 A/cm2 in cold water
Produces hydrogen gas and heat
Solution: Li-Ion Conducting Glass Ceramic
• Two Types based on Processing (Ohara Corp.)
AG01: Cut and Polished
G71/ G75: Tape Cast
2
www.oharacorp.com
G71/ G75: Tape Cast
• Li Ion Conductivity:
AG01: 1 x10 -4 S/cm
G71/ G75 : 2 x10 -4 S/cm
• Thickness
AG01: 50, 75, 150 & 300 µm
G71/ G75 : 50, 75, 150 & 300 µm
• Diameters (Square Plates available)
AG01: 25, 50, 75 mm
G71/ G75 : 25, 50, 75 mm

3. Schematic Diagram of Li Seawater Battery
2H2O + 2e- 2OH- + H2
Cathode Reaction
Li → Li+ + e-
Eo = 3.05
Anode Reaction
H2OLi Metal
e-e- Load
Li+
H2 Current Collector/
Cathode Reaction
Surface
Catholyte:
Nickel Tab
3
2H2O + 2e- 2OH- + H2
Eo = -0.83
Li + H2O → ½ H2 + OH- + Li+
Eo = 2.22 V
Overall Reaction
Li+
OH-
H2O
Li+ Conducting Glass
Ceramic Electrolyte
Packaging
Interfacial
Layer
Catholyte:
Sea Water
Very high theoretical specific energy: 8572 Wh/kg of Li and 4578 Wh/L of Li
Quiet, Minimal Signature, Long shelf life (no self discharge)
Potentially safer to store than Li-ion (No Cathode in storage)

4. NUWC’s Lithium Pouch Anode
• External Attributes:
• Entire anode is surrounded by Seawater Environment
• Laminate Material cold formed to encase lithium slug
• Pouch designed to Collapse as lithium reservoir is depleted
Pressure tolerant
Minimal pressure differential across Ceramic Membrane
• Package assembled and heat sealed
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• Internal Attributes:
• Lithium reservoir (Slug)
Can be scaled for Mission Duration
• Typical Li Metal Disc
1.75” OD, 0.2” Thick
• Non Aqueous Electrolyte
• Nickel Current collector
Cold Welded to Lithium Slug
• Ni Electrical Tabs
Electrolyte fill port
Ceramic electrolyte membrane
Collapsible
foil pouch

5. Generation III Pouch
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6. Gen III Pouch Discharge
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• Li Utilization Rate: ~97%
• 950 hour (40 day) discharge in ASTM seawater
• New design is more robust with better reliability