New battery materials
Batteries for stationary energy storage and mobile applications - such as cars, drones, trucks, aircraft and bicycles - each have specific requirements. These requirements matter when developing new battery materials and technologies.
At EnergyVille, our battery research spans the entire value chain. We combine fundamental materials research with the development of cell architectures, new battery concepts, battery management systems and system integration.
Advancing the next generation of lithium-ion batteries
For next-generation lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, we focus on solid-state battery technology. In our dry-room pre-pilot line, we scale up manufacturing processes to demonstrate both coin cells and amp-hour pouch cells.
Our materials development, processing and scale-up activities are supported by advanced modelling techniques and extensive characterisation expertise.
Exploring battery chemistries beyond 2030
Alongside current technologies, we investigate promising battery chemistries with potential beyond 2030.
One area of focus is lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries. We work to improve their performance for next-generation applications where low weight is critical, including drones, e-bikes and aerospace systems. These technologies also hold promise for stationary energy storage and automotive applications.
We also research sodium-ion (Na-ion) batteries. The natural abundance of sodium makes this technology a promising and more sustainable alternative for future energy storage solutions.
Which Battery Materials Do We Explore?
At EnergyVille, we research and develop a wide range of battery materials that are essential for next-generation energy storage technologies. Our expertise covers everything from advanced electrode materials and solid electrolytes to lithium metal anodes and innovative cell integration concepts.
Electrode Materials
We develop advanced electrode materials with tailored compositions and morphologies. In addition to material synthesis, we work on surface modifications of electrode powders, including the development of core-shell materials.
By characterising the physical, chemical and electrochemical properties of these materials, we gain a fundamental understanding of their behaviour. This knowledge is crucial for further optimisation and performance improvements.
Solid Electrolytes
Our facilities and expertise enable us to synthesise and characterise a broad range of solid electrolyte materials.
A unique focus area is the development of solid nanocomposite electrolytes. This technology is internationally recognised and achieves record-high ion conductivity, making it a promising building block for future solid-state batteries.
High-Capacity Dense Electrodes
One of the key differentiators of our nano-SCE technology is that it is produced from a liquid precursor. This allows the material to be introduced into dense porous electrodes in liquid form, after which it solidifies in place.
From a manufacturing perspective, this approach requires only minor adaptations to existing equipment used for conventional (wet) lithium-ion battery production. These developments are also being implemented and validated in our pouch-cell pre-pilot line.
From a performance perspective, the technology enables high volumetric capacity. Dense solid electrodes with a high active-material content become possible, increasing the energy stored within a given volume.
Functional Buffer Layers
The introduction of high-voltage positive electrodes, often referred to as "5V materials", is currently limited by the lack of electrolytes with a sufficiently wide electrochemical window.
To address this challenge, we apply ultra-thin buffer layers during cell integration. These layers separate ion-conducting materials from electronic conductors.
At the same time, we conduct fundamental research into so-called dual-conductor materials. This work will help enable ultra-dense electrodes with fast-charging capabilities.
Lithium Metal Anodes
Since their invention in the mid-20th century, lithium metal anodes have been considered the holy grail of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.
Solid-state battery technology is widely regarded as a key enabler for their practical implementation. However, chemical stability is only one of several challenges that must be overcome before commercial deployment becomes possible.
Our researchers are evaluating multiple approaches to address these challenges. A combination of different solutions will most likely be required to achieve a technologically viable lithium metal anode.
