Solid Electrolytes for Li and Na-ion Batteries (SELiNaB) (completed)

In our modern society, batteries are a key technology used to power electric and hybrid electric vehicles and to store wind and solar energy in smart grids. There is nowadays a scientifically and technologically pull towards new solid electrolyte materials (SEM) as to trigger new generations of solid state batteries. Since the 1990s, the Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and the sodium-ion batteries (NIBs) have provided high energy density, long cycle life and affordable costs. Meanwhile, the solid-state battery electrolyte comes forward with many advantages in terms of device fabrication (facile shaping, patterning and integration), stability (non-volatile) and safety (non-explosive). Solid electrolytes have potential to replace the high performances of organic liquid electrolytes and improve safety of next-generation high-energy batteries. The future potential of solid electrolytes for LiBs and NIBs is promising and vast.

About the Project

The current project focuses on finding new SEM for energy storage in Li/Na-ion batteries. It adopts the following strategy:
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
Graphical representation of the present project plan

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

  • Publish 10 publications in renowned international journals and one patent
  • Identify a handful of novel fast Li/Na conducting electrolyte in the solid state
  • 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
  • Present results through oral and poster contributions (of which two invited) at international/national conferences
  • Arrange longer stays (1-3 months) of project hired staff at our international partners
  • National collaboration with IFE and SINTEF; interactions with Baldur Coatings AS
  • 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)

Published Dec. 13, 2017 1:12 PM - Last modified Feb. 6, 2023 10:34 AM

Contact

Project leader

Helmer Fjellvåg

Project responsible

Anne Margit Arntzen

Participants

Detailed list of participants