High energy density Li-ion cells for traction

The research described in this proposal aims to develop a new Li-ion cell for traction purposes with the following characteristics: 'High energy density of at least 200 Wh/kg 'Low costs i. e. , a maximum of 150 Euro/kWh 'Improved safety Although the Li-ion cell appears to be the most appropriate technology to meet these goals, considerable research and development is required. For example, the much-used LiFePO4 cells cannot reach the energy density criterion, and in addition, LiFePO4 is patented, which hampers worldwide commercialisation. Many other materials are either too expensive or do not meet current safety, environmental standards (e. g. , cobalt in LiCoO2). Thus, we propose a shift from carbon to the much higher capacity silicon-based anodes, and from cobalt-based to iron and/or manganese/nickel-based cathodes, and to use novel electrolyte salts.

To successfully develop a European Li-ion technology, the R&D will start at the anode side, i. e. Si, with a LiFePO4-C material at the cathode side. This requires a new electrode formulation with respect to binder, electrolyte salt, solvent, and composition. The change in formulation at the anode and electrolyte allows for a change in the cathode materials ' and a series of both novel (e. g. , fluorosulfates, LiFeSO4F) and more established systems, will be investigated. New synthetic routes are proposed, along with an extensive characterization program. Scale-up, testing and benchmarking of optimum formulations will be performed. The outcome will be a newly developed cell, manufactured and tested by end-users. The new cell consists of i) a newly formulated Si-negative electrode, ii) newly designed low cost salts, and iii) modified positive electrodes. To achieve these goals, the consortium includes renowned universities and knowledge institutes; a SME battery producer and the car industry as end-users. Thus, the composition of the consortium covers the whole spectrum of R&D, manufacturing and testing.