Research & Development

The electrodes are the basis for the production of batteries. The BLB is investigating how new material combinations affect cell performance in addition to already established compositions. Here, in the context of automotive applications, the objective of high energy density is always in the focus. In addition, with the recycling of batteries, increasing attention is being paid to how the materials can be reintroduced into the cycle.

On the research side, the production of electrodes and cell assembly are strongly characterized by the optimization and further or new development of processes. The current focus here is on reducing the cycle times of the processes and implementing a continuous production system. In many places, this is accompanied by considerable changes to the processes, e.g. due to special atmospheric requirements. In addition, the BLB is examining how the processes for the production of ASSB need to be changed. Here, too, the plants or mechanisms are developed accordingly.

In addition to the development of the battery cell itself, the focus is also on the integration and design of the other battery cell enclosures. Variations in dimensions, structure and materials constitute the basis. The BLB tries to develop a modularized and standardized design for variants and piece number flexible production. In addition, enclosures for new requirements, such as those arising for ASSB, are being investigated and mechanisms developed to counter for example pressure fluctuations.

A wide variety of methods are used at the BLB to improve the quality of battery cells. In addition to the electrochemical analysis of the final battery cell, this also includes a large number of measuring devices. The measuring equipment enables the detection of a variety of properties of the intermediate products. These values provide the basis for subsequent evaluations. Furthermore simulation is an important component in battery research. It allows the optimization of sub-processes as well as the low-risk and cost-effective testing of variations such as process parameters, materials and intermediate product properties.

In the context of sustainable battery production, the BLB also examines aspects such as production planning and production control, process chain simulation and life cycle considerations. Furthermore, the digital factory is the subject of investigation, whereby aspects such as Industry 4.0 or tracking & tracing are considered.

The BLB completes the cycle of battery production with another field of research, recycling. With the increasing production of electric cars, many battery systems will have to be disposed of in the coming years. This requires ecological and cost-efficient recycling processes. Research questions are among others an automated disassembly process and the feasible disassembly depth. The focus is always on achieving the highest possible purity of the recyclate in addition to the possible second-use application for individual battery cells. In the next step, the further utilization of the materials is investigated.