II-VI Incorporated announced that it was awarded a multimillion-dollar development contract for high-energy rechargeable lithium batteries by the U.S. Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA), under the multiyear Robust Energy Sources for Intelligence Logistics In Extreme, Novel, and Challenging Environments (RESILIENCE) program, and in partnership with EaglePicher Technologies. The goal of RESILIENCE is to develop portable power solutions for electronics and systems that operate in demanding operational environments for years. Under the program, II-VI?s differentiated cathode technology will enable high-energy rechargeable lithium batteries that greatly exceed the energy storage density of lithium batteries currently available in the market. II-VI?s battery cells utilize highly loaded chalcogen cathodes that leverage II-VI proprietary carbon hosts, electrolyte chemistries, and thick-film coatings. Additionally, II-VI?s cathode technology enables charging and discharging rates and is free of cobalt, a designated conflict mineral.