OXIS says that its Li-S cells are suited for use in subsea applications due to their increased specific energy, their mass density and high safety. Li-S cells have five times the theoretical maximum specific energy of Lithium-ion cells. The mass density of Lithium Sulfur cells is very similar to that of water. As a result, bulky and expensive buoyancy foam is not required for the Lithium Sulfur battery as it is with Lithium Polymer batteries in use today. The combination of both these factors allows for a significant improvement in the performance of a neutral buoyancy battery system.

Through this project OXIS Energy would expect an improvement of at least 70% against the cells used in the best batteries on the market today with an expectation of achieving a five-fold improvement.

The continuing development of a Li-S battery will enable greater endurance at higher speeds for transit to survey sites which are often in remote locations, resulting in fewer launches and recoveries, allowing more sensing equipment to be installed and will provide research institutions or end users the ability to collect more valuable data.

Li-S is a safe chemistry that does not react aggressively when damaged and continues to provide reliable function. Indeed, the Li-S chemistry is inherently safe, withstanding abuse such as short circuiting, crushing and even the puncturing of cells.