Focus on new lithium-metal batteries

Published: 01 March 2021

New lithium-metal batteries

The EU research project HIDDEN is in the process of researching and developing novel lithium-metal batteries to eliminate certain disadvantages of the lithium-ion batteries in focus today. Longer service life and higher energy density are the determining theme. Improved self-healing processes will increase the service life and energy density compared to the Li-Ion batteries by up 50 percent. In addition, the manufacturing processes still need to be optimized. The very important goal is to prevent dendrite formation in lithium-metal batteries by appropriate measures. The researchers will assemble sample cells and then carefully review the results of the actions. It is expected that in about 3 years it will be possible for such innovative batteries to come to the market in a resource-saving and cost-effective manner.

In March 2021 /  >> Download PDF

New technologies at high-speed train pace

Published: 01 February 2021

Breakthrough: Supercapacitors with higher energy density

Mobile systems with built-in storage systems are highly up-to-date and can be found on laptops, mobile phones, garden tools and cars, among others. In addition to the storage elements batteries and accumulators, supercapacitors are again used. However, the energy density of supercapacitors is only 10 percent of Li-ion accumulators (up to 256-watt hours per kilogram (Wh/kg). Researchers have now succeeded in developing a successful, powerful and sustainable graphene hybrid material for supercapacitors, serving as a positive electrode in the energy storage. The researchers combined it with an already known and proven negative electrode of titanium and carbon. This technology already achieves an energy density of up to 73 Wh/kg. This is roughly equivalent to the energy density of a nickel-metal hybrid battery. Researchers are now relying on such hybrid materials to extend the previous performance limits for the better. A classic lithium-iron phosphate battery (LiFePo) has a lifespan of approximately 2000 cycles.

In February 2021 /  >> Download PDF

Cobalt-free Li-ion batteries

Published: 01 December 2020

The aim of the European research project Cobra

The aim of the European research project Cobra is to develop a novel co-free lithium-ion battery that will eliminate many of the current defects by improving every component in the battery system. The project will lead to a battery system that has a high energy density and low cost, enables increased cycles and contains less critical materials. To achieve this goal, electrochemical performance is improved by focusing on cobalt-free cathode and advanced S-compounds as anode and separator. The corresponding procedure ultimately includes a cell density of more than 750 Wh/l, a lifespan of more than 2000 cycles, a quick-adecapability of 3C and a 50 percent reduction in the packing weight.

In November 2020 /  >> Download PDF

Roadmap 2030+ for sustainable batteries

Published: 09 August 2020

Sustainable batteries

The European Research Initiative Battery 2030+ has published a long-term roadmap that includes measures to develop more sustainable batteries for future applications. The aim is to optimise the development process of future connected batteries using digital technologies such as artificial intelligence and the like.

The battery roadmap relies on faster development of interfaces and materials, also on a "Batteries Interface Genome (BIG)", which is to serve as a basis for understanding the chemical processes within the battery. Further in the field of view are extreme temperatures, mechanical stress, excessive load in operation and aging processes, which significantly influence the life span of the batteries. New ways are to be found to reduce battery failure in the future. For this purpose, new sensor concepts are to be developed that detect early stages of battery failure and undesirable side reactions.

The researchers and marketing specialists of European companies believe that Europe should pay more attention to these aspects in the increasingly important market segment.

In August 2020 /  >> Download PDF

Solid-ceramic solid-state batteries

Published: 01 July 2020

Solid-state batteries

Various research institutes and companies are working on the development of solid-state batteries, including the PSI in Würenlingen. This involves drying electrodes. The liquid electrolyte in the previous Li-ion battery applications is fire-hazardous and therefore there are strict and cumbersome transport regulations. In the planned ceramic solid-state batteries, both the cathodes and the electrolyte are made of oxidic or sulphide materials. These batteries thus not only do without liquid components, but also without polymer components. Companies develop scalable manufacturing solutions for the drying and sintering of oxidic composite cathodes and solid electrolyseparators. However, it will take some time before this technology can be delivered in large quantities.

Accutron, July 2020

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