NanoMILiB - Nano-Materials for Improved Lithium Batteries (completed)

The current project is an important extension of Li-ion battery research at the University of Oslo and addresses fundamental issues connected with nanostructuring and solid electrolytes that have to be understood and mastered in next generation high energy-high power batteries for the transportation sector.

About the project

The transport properties (electrons, ions) may change dramatically at the nanoscale, e.g. a layer of an isolator may still be sufficiently conducting for use as thin conducting separator. In the project we address transport properties in general, with focus on the solid electrolyte (being a key component in our efforts on all-solid-state-Li-ion-batteries), and also on the electrodes (intercalation, kinetics, volume work).

New knowledge, directly of relevance for technology, will be derived through studies of model materials, which actually will be real, chemically pure materials used in today´s technology (e.g. LiFePO4 for catode, LLT for electrolyte). These will be synthesized (fabricated) as bulk specimens, nanoparticles and thin films using a battery of synthesis routes to our disposal. Furthermore, these materials will be chemically modified as to incorporate various types of defects that are highly likely to affect the transport properties. Through a new collaboration with the strong research group in ionics at UiO, we will investigate Li-ion transport as function of defect situation as well as function of particle size/thin film thickness.

The project will fully integrate the synthesis/characterization studies with computational materials science. The latter will focus on how transport is influenced by defects and particle size at the nanoscale. We will finally use the novel opportunity to strengthen international links to European battery industry (via ongoing EU projects) and to directly interact with our international research partners in the field of atomic layer deposition, solid state chemistry and computational material science.

Objectives

Primary objectives:

  • derive generic knowledge on underpinning phenomena governing transport in Li-ion batteries, considering cathode, anode and solid electrolyte materials as bulk specimens, nanoparticles and thin coatings.
  • prepare ground for innovations and communicate results with European industries
  • train 1 PhD and 2 post-docs within nanomaterials for future generations Li-ion batteries

Secondary objectives:

  • 10 publications in renowned journals
  • Develop one new type of solid electrolyte or electrode material
  • Develop measuring technology of Li-ion transport in thin films and nanoparticles
  • A yearly scientific venue at UiO for researchers with interest in Li-ion battery technology
  • 6 oral (2 invited) and 5 poster contributions on battery technology, ALD and ionics
  • 2 disclosures of inventions, one selected for international patent
  • A yearly public science day at UiO with focus on batteries
  • Stays of project staff at international partners; use of large scale 

Financing

NanoMILiB is financed through the Nano2021 program at the Research Council of Norway.

Cooperation

Institutt for Energiteknikk (IFE)

Published Mar. 19, 2013 11:09 AM - Last modified Apr. 28, 2022 5:25 PM

Participants

Detailed list of participants