Lithium Ion Technologies

Lithium-ion batteries (LIB) are revolutionizing the energy landscape, powering everything from portable electronics to electric vehicles and renewable energy systems. With their high energy density, efficiency, and long cycle life, LIBs are essential for the transition to sustainable energy solutions. Ongoing advancements in materials and design are making these batteries more environmentally friendly and cost-effective, addressing the growing demand for reliable energy storage.

At Fraunhofer ISE, we focus on the entire lifecycle of lithium-ion batteries, beginning with the development of advanced battery active materials and extending to the recovery of battery materials through innovative recycling processes. The production and characterization of active materials, electrodes, and battery cells take place in our specialized laboratories, which include clean and dry rooms operating under various atmospheric conditions. We actively support research and development projects while collecting data for techno-economic analyses of lithium-ion technology. Our research enhances the performance and sustainability of lithium-ion batteries, ensuring they meet modern application demands while contributing to a more sustainable future. Through these efforts, we identify opportunities for improvement and innovation, advancing sustainable practices and overall battery technology efficiency.

Our R&D-Services on the Topic »Lithium-Ion Technologies« Include:

• Development of Advanced Battery Active Materials
• Production and Characterization of Battery Electrodes
• Assembly and Characterization of Lithium-Ion Batteries
• Development of Next-Gen Electrolytes and Additives

The active materials are a crucial component of lithium-ion battery cells. For the anode, modern LIBs typically utilize a blend of graphite and silicon-based composites, while the cathode primarily employs lithium-nickel-manganese-cobalt-oxides (NMC) and lithium-iron phosphate (LFP).

Our R&D offerings in the area of “Development of Advanced Battery Active Materials” include:

• Development of silicon-based anode active materials and their production with daily throughput in kilogram scale
• Particle refinement, including surface modification or surface coating
• Production of cathode active materials (CAMs) by solid-state synthesis, aqueous co-precipitation of precursors and subsequent lithiation step, direct recycling or hydrometallurgical recycling of end-of-life LIBs
• Characterization of particle size, morphology, pore sizes, specific surface area, surface chemistry, and density using in-house measuring instruments
• Electrochemical characterization of active materials and benchmarking against reference materials

In addition to the selection of active materials, the other components of the electrodes (binder, conductive additives, solvents, additives) play a crucial role in the performance of lithium-ion batteries. At Fraunhofer ISE, we have the capability to produce and characterize battery slurries and electrodes, starting from a few milliliters of paste up to liter scale.

Our R&D offerings in the area of “Production and Characterization of Battery Electrodes” include:

• Development of optimized formulations for battery slurries, ensuring optimal performance and stability
• Production of electrodes with varying thicknesses and compositions to meet specific application requirements
• Processing of slurries and manufacturing of electrodes under controlled atmospheres at various conditions (dew point -30°C dp to -55°C dp), along with the evaluation of ventilation concepts for production facilities and mini-environments, ensures optimal conditions for electrode fabrication and minimizes moisture exposure
• Comprehensive characterization of electrode materials, including mechanical properties, porosity, and electrochemical performance
• Evaluation of the impact of different binders and additives on the overall electrode performance

The assembly and characterization of lithium-ion batteries are critical processes that determine their efficiency, safety, and longevity. By focusing on the integration of various components and thorough performance analysis, we can enhance battery technology for a wide range of applications. We provide a full range of services to support the assembly and optimization of lithium-ion batteries, enhancing their performance and safety for various applications.

Our R&D offerings in the area of “Production and Electrical Characterization of Battery Electrodes” include:

• Assembly of battery cells, including coin cells, cells in three-electrode setups, and single or multilayer pouch cells with z-folding or single-sheet stacking
• Electrochemical characterization of battery cells, including capacity, performance measurement, and aging
• Post-mortem investigations utilizing scanning electron microscopy, computed tomography, and other advanced techniques to analyze battery performance and failures
• Safety investigations regarding electrical, thermal, or mechanical abuse to ensure the reliability and safety of the batteries

The development of next-generation electrolytes and additives is essential for advancing lithium-ion battery performance and safety. By optimizing these components, we aim to enhance energy density, cycling stability, and overall efficiency in various applications.

Our R&D offerings in the area of “Development of Next-Gen Electrolytes and Additives” include:

• Electrolyte screening to systematically evaluate various formulations for performance and stability
• Electrolyte development using machine learning to optimize compositions and predict performance outcomes effectively
• Additive formulation development to create tailored additives that enhance electrolyte properties and overall battery performance
• Compatibility testing to assess the interaction of electrolytes with different electrode materials