Methodology development for the fundamental investigation of high energy cathodes in lithium batteries

Lithium-ion is the technology of choice for rechargeable battery applications as the Li-ion electrode chemistries provide the highest volumetric and gravimetric energy density known. Since its first introduction on the market by Sony in 1991, it took about 20 years to triple the energy density from 200Wh/L to 600Wh/L mainly by improvements in the electrode formulations. This evolution was primarily driven by the advent of portable electronics such as the smart phone. In the last few years, we have seen a push in energy density with the introduction of new electrode materials with higher intrinsic Li-ion storage capacity. State-of-the art cells today reach nearly 700Wh/L. This second wave in Li-ion technology developments is driven by the emerging electrical vehicle market. It is expected that further improvements can bring us to 800Wh/L in the first part of the 2020’s. For the next generation batteries, targeting 1000Wh/L, it is generally agreed that Li metal anodes in combination with all-solid-state concepts will be needed. For the integration of the first generations, we are using similar cathode and anode materials as currently used in wet batteries. Focus lays on interface control and mechanical stability. In a next step, lithium metal anodes will be considered. Such new technologies bring their own challenges and proper insights in the cell operation are essential to overcome these challenges. This work will focus on the development of experimental methodologies to study the electrochemical performance of high energy cathodes. Thin-film electrodes and patterning will be used to simulate the electrode design.