Cambridge EnerTech’s
Lithium Battery Chemistry
Advancements in Lithium-Ion and Beyond
13-14 January 2020
In order to increase market share, new electric vehicle batteries must increase their performance through improved chemistries, while remaining cost competitive with conventional internal combustion engine automobiles. By creating safe and reliable long
range batteries through improved chemistries, automotive electrification goals can be achieved.
The Lithium Battery Chemistry Symposium will unite automotive OEM companies, their supply chain, and academic researchers to discuss technological advances and commercial viability. Presentations will focus on advances in high-energy lithium-ion chemistry
as well as other chemistries, including lithium-metal systems, silicon anodes, NMC cathodes, and solid-state technologies.
Final Agenda
Monday, 13 January
8:00 Symposium Registration & Morning Coffee
Terrassen - Saal B
9:30 Chairperson’s Opening Remarks
Martin Winter, PhD, Chair, Applied Material Science for Energy Conversion and Storage, MEET Battery, Research Center, Institute of Physical Chemistry, University of Muenster
9:35 Cathode Market Expansion: Challenges and Opportunities
Paul Spurk, PhD, Manager Applied Technology, Umicore
EV penetration of somewhere between 1 and 2 % has turned cathode landscape upside down. How to prepare for the 100$/kWh, when price parity with ICE will be reached and the real growth will start? Decreasing cost, increasing energy density, improve product
purity, ensuring raw material availability and upstream mining investments, while guaranteeing ethical and environmental standards, all at a lower CO2 footprint: a lot of balls to keep in the air at the same time.
9:55 Recent Advances in the Development of Over-Lithiated Mn-Rich NCM
Hartmann Leube, PhD, Senior Vice President, Battery Materials & Inorganics, BASF SE
Over-lithiated, Manganese-rich NCM represent a promising class of Cathode Active Materials for Lithium-Ion Batteries. As such, they have been subject to intensive research and development efforts during the past years. The paper will discuss recent
advances of BASF in their development towards automotive applications.
10:15 eLNO®: Next-Generation High-Energy Low-Cobalt Cathode Materials for Greater Stability and Safety
Eva-Maria Hammer, PhD, Product Innovation Manager, Battery Materials,
Johnson Matthey
Through materials and process engineering, JM has brought a world-leading high-nickel, low-cobalt offering to the market: eLNO. JM’s rapid customisation model continues to push the energy, stability, and safety performance of these materials even
higher, whilst further reducing cobalt content. In this talk, we aim to demonstrate the competitive advantage of eLNO and provide an insight into JM’s strength of developing and tailoring material performance for the fast-paced automotive industry.
10:35 Networking Coffee Break
11:05 Silicon in Commercial and Near-Commercial Lithium Ion Batteries: State of the Art and Perspectives on Higher Silicon Loadings Enabled by Electrolyte Additives
Egbert Figgemeier, PhD, Professor, Helmholtz Institute Münster, Forschungszentrum Jülich
Silicon plays a prominent role in boosting the capacity of lithium-ion batteries, which is reflected by the fact that commercial 18650 cells already contain electrodes made of silicon/graphite blends. The presentation will give an overview of the
current state-of-the-art of silicon in commercial cells. Moreover, results of experimental cells with high loadings of silicon and innovative electrolyte additives will be presented.
11:25 On The Way to Silicon-Based Anode Materials – Beyond Cycle Stability
Stefan Haufe, PhD, Director LIB Application Technology, Consortium für elektrochemische Industrie, Wacker Chemie AG
The challenges related to the huge volume change of silicon during lithiation still hamper its use as main anode material in lithium-ion batteries. Material concepts both addressing mitigation on the electrode as well as on the materials level are
under investigation. Besides cycle stability and further electrochemical properties, applicability in existing production equipment and economic attractiveness are in the focus of these developments.
11:45 Lithium Ion Battery Separator Selection for EV Application: Brief Discussion on Benefits of Base & Different Coated Separators
Kelvin Wu, MBA, Director, Overseas Business, SEMCORP
To achieve high safety standards for high energy density chemistry, SEMCORP has developed advanced functional coating technologies for LIB, such as Ceramic, PVDF, AFL, and Aramid coatings, to enable engineers to design safer batteries with long cycling
performance. This presentation discusses base separator and coating selection for EV batteries.
12:05 Q&A
12:30 Networking Lunch
13:55 Chairperson’s Remarks
Klaus Brandt, PhD, Consultant, Lithium Battery Consulting
14:00 Tailor-Made Electrolyte Solutions for Advanced Lithium-Ion Batteries
Ralf Wagner, PhD, CEO, E-Lyte Innovations GmbH
In recent years, the lithium-ion battery has conquered many new applications such as automotive, medical or aviation. Each application places different demands on the battery. Due to the different materials used, not all requirements can be met by
one battery setup. Therefore, an adjustment of the battery is required to address each application with maximum efficiency. In this regard, the development of tailor-made electrolytes is a key strategy for success.
14:20 Confronting the Challenges of Silicon-based Lithium Ion Full-Cells by Design of Effective Electrolyte Additives with Synergistic Impact
Tobias Placke, PhD, Head of Division “Materials”, University of Münster, MEET Battery Research
Center
A major challenge for the practical application of Si-based negative electrodes in lithium ion full-cells is the continuous depletion of electrolyte and loss of active lithium. In this talk, we present novel approaches for the design of electrolyte
additives with synergistic functional moieties, resulting in an effective solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation. Further, we will give new insights into the systematic electrochemical characterization of electrolyte additives under commercially
relevant conditions.
14:40 Coatings and Materials Enabling Performance, Manufacturability, and Safety for EV Batteries
Calum Munro, Senior Scientist Science & Technology, PPG
Electric vehicle growth is demanding unique solutions for lithium-ion batteries and electrified drivetrains, including full-battery electric vehicles that provide increased performance and range for broader consumer acceptance. To enable this, higher-capacity
EV batteries are being designed with increased energy density and higher voltage. In addition, scale is driving high-throughput, automated coating and material solutions for improved productivity and cost. Together, these factors are increasing
demand for lightweight, environmentally and manufacturing friendly functional solutions for battery pack sealing, thermal management, and safety performance. PPG offers a unique range of solutions for these new demands in EV battery design and
production.
15:00 Q&A
15:15 Refreshment Break
15:50 Chairperson’s Remarks
Klaus Brandt, PhD, Consultant, Lithium Battery Consulting
15:55 Delaying Thermal Runaway of Lithium-Ion Batteries
Surya Moganty, PhD, CTO, NOHMs Technologies
Thermal runaway (TR) in Li-ion batteries refers to uncontrollable exothermic reactions triggered by elevated temperatures. As the temperature of the battery rises, the exothermic reactions further heat up the cell, creating a positive feedback cycle.
Despite recent safety monitoring advances in battery management systems (BMS), the prevention of thermal runaway remains a challenge. The talk will provide insights into delaying/mitigating TR in large format Li-ion cells using NOHMs advanced
electrolytes.
16:15 Li-Metal Batteries with Liquid Electrolytes: History and Outlook
Klaus Brandt, PhD, Consultant, Lithium Battery Consulting
Rechargeable batteries with Li-metal anodes have a more than 40-year history. However, Li-ion cells with carbon anodes displaced them due to better cycle life and safety. However, with Li-ion reaching its limits as far energy density is concerned
and with new electrolytes being developed, the Li-metal anode becomes a potential next technology. What can be learned from the past efforts and what is different this time around to make this a commercial success?
16:35 Improvements to Disordered Rock-Salt Li-Excess Cathode Materials
Dee
Strand, PhD, CSO, Wildcat Discovery Technologies
Cathode materials with higher energy density than layered oxide materials are required for future demands of vehicle electrification. Disordered rock-salt Li-excess structures, such as Li3NbO4, have been demonstrated to achieve capacities of greater
than 300 mAh/g reversible capacities at elevated temperatures. The high capacity is believed to be due to reversible redox chemistry of the oxide anions. This new class of high-energy cathode materials provides an opportunity for a step-change
increase in cell level energy density. However, improvements are still required in material conduct.
16:55 Q&A
17:10 Grand Opening Welcome Reception with Poster Viewing
18:15 Dinner Tutorial Check-In*
18:30 Dinner Tutorials 4-7
20:30 Close of Day
Tuesday, 14 January
7:30 Symposium Registration & Morning Coffee
Terrassen - Saal B
8:30 Chairperson’s Opening Remarks
Martin Winter, PhD, Chair, Applied Material Science for Energy Conversion and Storage, MEET Battery, Research Center, Institute of Physical Chemistry, University of Muenster
8:35 Solid-State Batteries and the Lithium Metal Anode – A Perspective
Juergen Janek, PhD, Professor, Justus-Liebig, Universitat Giessen & Festbatt
9:15 Platform Polymer Matrix Electrolyte (PME®) Technology for Solid-State Lithium-Ion Batteries
Anaba Anani, PhD, Chief Battery Scientist, BrightVolt
This presentation will share a technical overview of a proprietary polymer matrix electrolyte (PME®) technology developed by BrightVolt for solid-state lithium-ion batteries. It will cover some key performance metrics (test data) collected from
conducting common tests widely used by the industry to assess performance of polymer electrolytes.
9:35 :NEW: Specialty Polymer SSE: The Path to Next Generation EV Batteries
Alex Yu, PhD, Founder and President, Lionano SE Inc.
Dr. Yu will unveil proprietary polymer-based solid-state battery technology developed by Lionano SE Inc.
9:55 Scaling All Solid-State Batteries: Results from Automated, Roll-to-Roll Pilot Manufacturing
Josh Buettner-Garrett, CTO, Solid Power, Inc.
Solid Power, an all solid-state battery developer based in the U.S., will share updates from its first quarter of fully automated, roll-to-roll production of solid-state cells. Solid Power completed its world-class pilot line in the latter half of
2019, which is pushing the company towards automotive qualification with large format cells.
10:10 Coffee Break with Exhibit & Poster Viewing
11:00 Chairperson’s Remarks
Martin Winter, PhD, Chair, Applied Material Science for Energy Conversion and Storage, MEET Battery, Research Center, Institute of Physical Chemistry, University of Muenster
11:05 Solid Polymer Electrolytes Revisited: Practical Considerations and New Concepts
Martin Winter, PhD, Chair, Applied Material Science for Energy Conversion and Storage, MEET Battery, Research Center, Institute of Physical Chemistry, University of Muenster
For reasons of higher energy density and better safety, research on Li based batteries has discovered solid electrolytes as alternative to liquid electrolytes - again. Compared to ceramics and glasses, solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) may have the
advantage of “wettability”, similar to regular electrode binders, in particular with composite electrodes, which is beneficial for both, easy fabrication and long-term operation. In this presentation we will cover simple practical
aspects of SPE based battery cells as well as new material designs paving the way to high voltage, room temperature solid state batteries.
11:45 A Breath of Fresh Air in Solid State Battery A Game-Changer in Polymer Electrolyte
Mike Zimmerman, Founder, Ionic Materials
John Muldoon, PhD, Senior Principal Scientist, Battery and Fuel Cell Program, Toyota
Polymer materials are ubiquitous in current battery technology and are commonly used as binders, separators and packaging. Poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) was first discovered to dissolve Li salts in 1973, making its use as an electrolyte possible. Today,
it is still one of the most intensely studied and widely used polymer electrolytes; however, the conductivity is several orders of magnitude lower than inorganic solid electrolytes. This easy-to-synthesize, polymer electrolyte has the potential
to be a superior candidate to present-day inorganic solid electrolytes. We will report the properties of a breakthrough polymer technology with a new Li+ conduction mechanism that does not rely on chain-segmental motion as with PEO.
This new polymer electrolyte supports high-Li+-conductivity while maintaining a wide electrochemical window. We will present the performance of this electrolyte with a wide variety of anodes and cathodes. Toyota and IM are working in
a partnership to advance this technology towards commercialization.
12:05 Introduction to Neocarbonix: Binderless Electrodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Nicolo Brambilla, Chief Technology Officer, Nanoramic Laboratories
Electrodes are limited in their electrochemical stability and electrical performance by polymer binders. Nanoramic has developed an alternate solution – Neocarbonix – an electrode platform technology that effectively replaces polymer binders
and primers. Results have been demonstrated for both LIB cathodes and EDLC electrodes. Nanoramic's Neocarbonix electrodes have significantly lower ESR, better C-rate capabilities, longer lifetime at high temperature, and greater active material
thickness for improved energy density, while also retaining or improving specific capacity.
12:25 Q&A
12:40 Networking Lunch
13:55 Dessert Break with Exhibit & Poster Viewing
14:40 Chairperson’s Remarks
Holger Althues, PhD, Head of Department Chemical Surface and Battery Technology, Fraunhofer IW
14:45 Progress on Lithium-Sulfur-Batteries Based on New Electrolyte Formulations
Holger Althues, PhD, Head of Department Chemical Surface and Battery Technology, Fraunhofer IW
The Lithium-Sulfur-Technology enables cells with high specific energies exceeding Lithium-ion-batteries by more than 50 %. New formulations with reduced polysulfide solubility have been demonstrated to enable the efficient sulfur conversion even at
very low electrolyte content. Combined with tailored processing of anodes and cathodes a holistic cell concept is introduced and demonstrated on pouch cell level.
15:05 Towards Sustainable Na-Ion Batteries
Stefano Passerini, PhD, Professor, Helmholtz Institute Ulm, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
Renewable materials, environmentally friendly processes, and safer batteries are needed for the sustainable development of electrochemical energy storage. The sustainable use of natural resources is indispensable for future energy storage. As a step
towards the utilisation of biowaste, hard carbon produced from waste apples is demonstrated to be a high-performance active material for Na-ion batteries.
15:25 New Electrolytes for Multivalent Batteries
Maximilian Fichtner, PhD, Director, Helmholtz Institute Ulm for Electrochemical Energy Storage
The development of Ca batteries is currently impeded by the lack of electrolytes which can efficiently strip and plate Ca in non-aqueous solvents.[1] Here, we present the feasibility of formulation of Ca and Mg salts with weakly-coordinating anions
establishing the access to a new class of efficient multivalent electrolytes.
15:45 Materials for High Power Devices: Present and Future Trends
Andrea Balducci, PhD, Professor, Institute for Technical Chemistry and Environmental Chemistry, Center for Energy and Environmental Chemistry Jena (CEEC Jena, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena)
High-power devices, such as electrochemical capacitors and high-power lithium-ion batteries, are nowadays utilized in an increasing number of applications. In this presentation, the advantages and limits of the materials presently utilized in these
devices will be analyzed in details. Furthermore, innovative strategies for the identification and introduction of novel materials suitable for the next generation of high-power devices will be presented.
16:05 Q&A
16:25 Networking Reception with Exhibit & Poster Viewing (Sponsorship Opportunity Available)
17:25 Dinner Tutorial Check-In*
18:00 Dinner Tutorials 8-11
20:00 Close of Day