Project Information:
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Motivation
In recent years, lithium-ion battery technology has gained significant attention due to its widespread applications. However, the conventional active materials used in commercial cells impose limitations on further capacity improvements. To address this, extensive research has focused on discovering and developing alternative materials with higher specific capacities for both anodes and cathodes. Despite the technical challenges in implementing these next-generation materials such as volume expansion, interfacial instability, and limited scalability promising candidates have emerged.
The LiBEST3 project targets the development of high-capacity, scalable, and safe lithium-ion batteries through the integration of innovative materials and concepts. These include silicon based (Si) anodes, composite lithium sulfide (Li₂S), Ni-rich layered oxide cathodes (NCM), and anode-free battery (AFB) configurations. A primary goal is to optimize these advanced materials and assess their electrochemical performance and scalability in pouch cell prototypes, laying the groundwork for future commercial deployment of next-generation battery chemistries.
Project Description
Within the LiBEST3 project, Technische Universität Braunschweig (TUBs) is focusing on the development of Si@Gr composite particles using fluidized bed granulation technology. The aim is to enhance anode capacity by incorporating a higher silicon content (>20 wt. % Si) while maintaining particle integrity and processability.
A major focus is the design and optimization of polymeric artificial solid electrolyte interphase (ASEI) coatings for the nano-silicon/graphite (nSi@Gr) composites. These coatings are engineered to enhance interfacial stability, improve electronic/ionic conductivity, and suppress degradation during cycling, thereby increasing the overall electrochemical performance of the anodes.
On the cathode side, the project is developing functional coatings for Ni-rich NCM materials, targeting improved rate capability and long-term cycling stability. These coated NCM particles will be processed using an extrusion-based manufacturing route, allowing for scalable electrode fabrication.
In addition, the project investigates the interfacial and electrochemical compatibility between the advanced anode and cathode materials within the specific design framework of polymer-based electrolyte systems. The integration of these components will be evaluated through systematic testing, ultimately leading to the assembly and characterization of pouch cell prototypes that reflect industrially relevant performance metrics.
Contact:
Nathiya Kalidas
nathiya.kalidas(at)tu-braunschweig.de