Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE
In the field of battery cell technology, we conduct research along the entire value chain from new materials to production processes and innovative cell architectures. Our technical equipment includes various processing tools, glove boxes and characterization instruments to manufacture and characterize complete battery cells. We accompany our work with techno-economic considerations and cell simulations in order to evaluate the economic efficiency and technological effectiveness of our approaches.
Our core fields of activity are:
Contributions to the continuous further development of lithium-ion battery cell technology
Lithium-ion technology is currently the dominant technology in the realization of traction batteries as well as for batteries in a wide range of applications from industrial applications to consumer electronics. This technology develops incrementally in an evolutionary process. In this context, we investigate e.g. silicon-based anode materials as drop-in replacement technology for lithium-ion battery cells to replace graphite-based anodes or to improve them by adding silicon composite materials.
Battery cells with aqueous electrolytes for stationary energy storage
Batteries with aqueous electrolytes are non-combustible, can be produced with highly available and sustainable materials and are suitable for use in stationary energy storage applications. Various concepts are being developed and evaluated at Fraunhofer ISE. For example, we investigate battery cell chemistries based on sodium or zinc ions and develop complete production processes for these cells.
Batteries with solid electrolytes
In the field of solid electrolytes, we are currently concentrating on the processing of sulfide based materials. We develop manufacturing processes to integrate these materials into battery cells and to realize all-solid-state batteries.
Special architectures for small and micro batteries for sensor technology and IoT applications
Using printing technology, we realize small printed battery cells and develop adaptable cell designs for various applications.
Techno-economic evaluation
On the basis of a detailed calculation tool from photovoltaic research, which we have adapted for battery cell production, we develop cost models for battery cell manufacturing processes and battery cell structures. We look at material availability and evaluate new material manufacturing processes and materials to replace currently critical raw materials.
