Loren Data's SAM Daily™

SAMDAILY.US - ISSUE OF SEPTEMBER 04, 2025 SAM #8683
SPECIAL NOTICE

68 -- Technology Licensing Opportunity: Flame-Retardant Electrolytes for Safer Lithium-Ion Batteries

Notice Date

9/2/2025 2:11:18 PM
 

Notice Type

Special Notice
 

NAICS

325180 — Other Basic Inorganic Chemical Manufacturing
 

Contracting Office

BATTELLE ENERGY ALLIANCE�DOE CNTR Idaho Falls ID 83415 USA
 

ZIP Code

83415
 

Solicitation Number

BA-846
 

Response Due

9/30/2025 11:00:00 AM
 

Archive Date

10/15/2025
 

Point of Contact

Javier Martinez
 

E-Mail Address

javier.martinez@inl.gov
(javier.martinez@inl.gov)
 

Description

Flame-Retardant Electrolytes for Safer Lithium-Ion Batteries A non-flammable, high-stability electrolyte system that makes lithium-ion batteries safer and more reliable in extreme environments. Technology Summary: A novel class of stabilized phosphoranimines has been developed as air- and water-stable room-temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) with flame-retardant properties and thermal stability beyond 150 �C. These compounds address long-standing limitations of traditional phosphoranimines, which are typically reactive intermediates, by introducing new structural motifs that enable safe handling and practical use. Critically, the materials can solubilize lithium salts and maintain stability in electrochemical environments, making them strong candidates as next-generation electrolytes for lithium-ion batteries. Supporting research on phosphazene-based electrolytes for lithium batteries provides additional context for this development: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S001346861631091X Problem Addressed Current lithium-ion electrolytes are based on organic carbonates, which are flammable, volatile, and thermally unstable, creating safety and performance limitations in demanding applications. Meanwhile, existing phosphoranimine chemistry has been constrained by unstable intermediates that cannot be readily applied in commercial systems. Industry requires electrolytes that combine flame retardancy, high thermal stability, and tunable performance without sacrificing compatibility with existing battery chemistries. Solution The invention introduces a new synthetic route to N-organophosphoranimines using the Staudinger reaction with a stable imidazolium azide precursor. This enables: Novel structural features: First demonstration of imidazolium substituents bound to nitrogen (rather than phosphorus), creating unexplored electrochemical behavior. RTIL formation with low viscosity: Compound 1 exhibits ~6.5 cSt at 20 �C, while Compound 2 offers higher viscosity, providing flexibility in electrolyte design. Air- and water-stability: Unprecedented for phosphoranimines, enabling practical manufacturing and storage. Versatile solubility: Distinct solubility profiles across organic solvents (e.g., Compound 1 insoluble in toluene; Compound 2 soluble), aiding purification and application tuning. Key Advantages Flame Retardancy: Inherently non-flammable, addressing critical safety concerns. Thermal & Chemical Robustness: Stable at high temperatures and resistant to degradation in air and water. Customizable Chemistry: Broad substituent flexibility allows tailoring of viscosity, solubility, and electrochemical properties. Electrolyte Compatibility: Capable of dissolving lithium salts and operating within relevant electrochemical environments. Novel IP Positioning: Nitrogen-bound imidazolium groups not reported in prior literature, providing strong differentiation. Market Applications Energy Storage: Safer electrolytes for lithium-ion and advanced batteries in consumer, grid, and defense markets. Extreme Environments: Aerospace, military, and industrial applications requiring non-flammable, thermally stable electrolytes. Chemical Processing: Stable solvents and extractants with tunable properties. Industrial Lubricants: Customizable low-volatility liquids with inherent flame-retardant behavior. Licensing Opportunity: INL�s Technology Deployment department focuses solely on licensing intellectual property and collaborating with industry partners who can commercialize our innovations. We do not engage in purchasing, procurement, or hiring external services for technology development. Our objective is to connect with companies interested in licensing and bringing our technologies to market.
 

Web Link

SAM.gov Permalink
(https://sam.gov/opp/0ddf1935796f45cd8c16ae5507b8c62f/view)
 

Place of Performance

Address: Idaho Falls, ID 83401, USA

Zip Code: 83401

Country: USA
 

Record

SN07574217-F 20250904/250902230046 (samdaily.us)
 

Source

SAM.gov Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)

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