About the Project
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Materials screening - theoretical approach: first we search in all Li- and Na-based compounds potential layered/porous structures in the Crystal Structure Database (ICSD), then we run Density Functional Theory (DFT) simulations to identify potential candidates for fast Li/Na-ion solid electrolyte.
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Synthesis of target electrolytes: targeted synthesis of completely novel systems, previously identified in the simulation, takes place at this stage. Solid electrolytes, in the form of bulk specimens are used as test bench for further thin films synthesis with desired thickness – and study these as such, in half cells and in batteries.
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Understanding transport, reactions and structural changes during operation:exploring how the thickness of the electrolyte (coating thickness) influences the transport properties for 4-5 of the highly ion conductive materials. At this stage, in addition to quasi-simultaneous X-ray diffraction (XRD) and absorption (XANES) measurements, operando investigations of new/model electrolyte materials with electrodes will be carried out at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESFR) within the SNBL collaboration.
Objectives
Primary objective
The vision of this project is to development materials for solid electrolytes with the diffusion co-efficient above 10-4 cm2/s for both Li- and Na-ion batteries.
Secondary objectives
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Publish 10 publications in renowned international journals and one patent
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Identify a handful of novel fast Li/Na conducting electrolyte in the solid state
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Develop ALD methods to make identified electrolyte materials for thin film Li/Na batteries. Produce solid electrolytes and perform testing in coin cells. Use advanced tools at large scale facilities (synchrotrons; neutron sources); including in-operando methods
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Present results through oral and poster contributions (of which two invited) at international/national conferences
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Arrange longer stays (1-3 months) of project hired staff at our international partners
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National collaboration with IFE and SINTEF; interactions with Baldur Coatings AS
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Train 1 Phd student and 3 post docs in state-of-the-art Li/Na-ion battery R&D
Competences and Tools
UiO posses the adeguated competence in Li- and Na-ion battery research, benefitting from ALD thin film deposition technology, in-situ operando synchrotron based studies, DFT modelling and strengths in materials synthesis and development of new inorganic compounds. The NAFUMA group at the Centre for Materials science and Nanotechnology (SMN) has excellent expertise in battery research via several internally and externally funded projects. The battery laboratory of NAFUMA holds all required tools for preparation and electrochemical characterization of 2D/3D microbatteries and coin cells.
The Institute for Energy Technology (IFE, Kjeller) provides powder neutron diffraction studies, with focus on light elements (lithium, sodium, fluorine, oxygen) and d/metal scattering contrast for determination of crystal structure of (novel) solid state electrolytes.
SINTEF Materials and Chemistry (Oslo) will perform Li and Na NMR of local structure and characterize the transport mechanism in the new electrolytes as well.
Financing
This project is financed by the Norwegian Research Council.
Cooperation
Institute for Energy Technology (IFE), SINTEF Materials and Chemistry, Baldur Coatings AS, Swiss Norwegian Beam Lines at ESRF (SNBL)