The Kansas Soybean Commission (KSC) is currently supporting our project of developing performance-enabling soybean-derived materials as functionally graded materials (FGMs) for next-generation solid lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries. The FGMs can suppress Li dendrites and prevent them from penetrating the solid electrolyte since the penetration due to Li dendrite growth is one of the reasons for solid-state Li-S failures. Thanks to the last year’s preliminary studies and the research carried out from July 2022, some of our research findings have been published. Built on this KSC-supported research, we’ve successfully secured $196,721 from NASA to enhance the sustainability and resilience of solid-state battery systems for space exploration.

To achieve our research goal of developing performance-enabling soybean-derived materials as functionally graded materials (FGMs) for next-generation solid lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries, in the 2nd year, we will focus on two research objectives: (1) Application of data-driven approaches to the design, fabrication, and optimization of such proposed FGMs, and (2) Fabrication and characterization of the proposed solid-state Li-S battery.

Our proposed research will translate scientific findings into a patentable battery prototype and its fabrication method, along with publications and media coverage. If successful, we are confident that, in addition to bringing research funds from federal agencies (e.g., NSF, NASA, DoE) and the industry into Kansas, soybean-derived materials will be, for the very first time, adopted as raw materials for next-generation Li metal batteries, both of which will directly contribute to Kansas soybean production, recycle, soybean economy, and environmental sustainability. The following deliverables are expected: (1) a soybean-enabled, next-generation Li-S battery prototype, and (2) a new startup based on the proposed research product and its patent. The realization of these deliverables will be the measurement of the success of our project.

Update:
The Kansas Soybean Commission (KSC) is currently supporting our project of developing performance-enabling soybean-derived materials as functionally graded materials (FGMs) for next-generation solid lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries. The FGMs can suppress Li dendrites and prevent them from penetrating the solid electrolyte since the penetration due to Li dendrite growth is one of the reasons for solid-state Li-S failures. Thanks to the research carried out from July 2022, some of our research findings have been published. Leveraged by this KSC-supported research, we’ve secured two research awards from NASA over the last year. They are, (1) Enhancing Sustainability and Resilience of Solid-State Battery Systems for Space Exploration via Precision Prognostics and Health Management (07/2022-12/2023, $196,721), and (2) Physics-Informed-AI Enabled Smart Electrospinning of Nanofiber Membranes Towards In-Space Manufacturing (05/2023- 04/2026, $1,072,000). We focus on two research objectives: (1) Redesign and tune up our current setup for electrostatic deposition and electrospinning fabrication, and (2) Fabrication and characterization of such proposed FGMs and Li-S metal batteries. In detail, we synthesized and utilized soy protein concentrate (SPC) for battery R&D.

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The success of this project will strengthen KSC’s efforts and research of new soybean-related product uses and practices for building sustainability and profitability, as well as increasing the visibility and awareness of Kansas bioenergy R & D. The project offers a new and unique opportunity to recycle and utilize soybean-related products or byproducts to improve material performance and achieve a next-generation Li-S battery through innovation. The proposed new and unique R & D will boost bioenergy or alternative energy solutions by providing effective, around-the-clock delivery of electricity and overcoming the intermittency problem in renewable energy. The fundamental understanding gained in the proposed work will allow the adoption of soybean-derived materials (e.g., soybean or soybean hulls) as cathode materials for batteries, leading to further breakthroughs in bioenergy research and a lasting contribution to Kansas economic development. Advances in basic research are not likely to occur without an aggressive investment in developing a fundamental understanding of materials design and fabrication. The KSC funding could be the seed for this understanding. It should be noted that the proposed research will have an impact on the energy landscape beyond the realm of batteries. The soybean-derived materials can be applied to other materials or systems requiring carbon-based derivatives or coatings.