Anode-free strategy is gaining more interest in recent years, due to its manufacturing simplicity and potential for high-energy-density batteries without safety compromise. However, the design constraints for anode-free batteries have been difficult to overcome. In this talk, I will give an update on our efforts to enable anode-free lithium-metal and anode-free sodium-metal batteries. We hope to discuss a few opportunities presented by such a strategy.

I would like to present recent advances in solid-state membranes for intercalation electrodes and also conversion electrodes, especially sulfur cathodes. Li-stuffed garnets and sodium silicates for next-generation batteries will be discussed.

The lithium ion conductivity of sulfide solid electrolytes is unbeaten, and their mechanical properties allow roll-to-roll processing. Interface issues can be overcome by interlayer and coating design, and the evolution of H2S can be mitigated by chemical design. In this presentation, the current status of sulfide-based SSBs and the recent development of halide solid electrolytes will be briefly discussed, as well as the potential need for targeted design of cathode active materials for SSBs

This overview presentation will highlight the recent developments related to the integration of oxide electrolytes into lithium solid-state batteries within the Festbatt dedicated platform. In particular, synthesis with low carbon-footprint and energy-efficient processing are important for this class of materials. Thick and thin film technologies as well as innovative sintering approaches are key to guarantee materials compatibility and functionality.

Solid-state batteries might enable future operation of electric vehicles. In this talk we discuss candidate polymer electrolytes for lithium metal batteries that afford reasonable cycle life and electrochemical stability. Synergistic performance improvements are demonstrated with hybrid electrolytes that allow for straightforward cell assembly. Relevant aspects of cell designs are addressed, also evaluating the consequences of externally applied pressure as often neglected criterion in view of key performance indicators of polymer-based batteries.

All-solid-state Li-S and Li2S batteries are gaining increasing interest as alternatives to their liquid electrolyte counterparts. The employment of solid electrolytes eliminates problems of the polysulfide shuttle and uncontrolled precipitation of the redox end members in lean electrolyte systems. However, their development has been impeded by factors that include: issues of mass and electron transport, large volume change of the cathode upon redox, sluggish reaction kinetics oxidation/decomposition of sulfide-based electrolytes, and high activation barriers for conversion of Li2S to sulfur. This presentation discusses material design factors for overcoming these hurdles and the opportunities they present. 

The SOLBAT project within The Faraday Institution, the UK’s independent institute for electrochemical energy storage science and technology, aims to understand the fundamental science underpinning the manifold scientific and technological challenges to the practical development of solid-state batteries. In my presentation, I will summarize the scientific highlights from the SOLBAT project and the overall scientific direction.

Recent advancements in all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) have marked a significant leap forward. Mechanically sinterable sulfide solid electrolytes (SEs) are pivotal for the scalable fabrication of ASSBs. Additionally, the emergence of halide SEs, noted for their high oxidative stability, has opened new avenues. This presentation discusses material design factors for enhancing ionic conductivity, electrochemical stability, and compatibility between SEs, as well as engineering aspects associated with cell fabrication.

QuantumScape is developing a solid-state battery with a lithium-metal anode to enable long-range, faster charging, low-cost EVs. The technology features an anode that is lithium-free as manufactured, with the lithium being delivered entirely from the cathode material. The lithium-free approach offers a significant cost savings relative to approaches that utilize an excess lithium foil or vapor deposition process. This talk will highlight the scientific and engineering challenges in developing and scaling production of an anode-free solid-state battery. QuantumScape was founded in 2010 with a mission to revolutionize energy storage to enable a sustainable future.

Umicore 2030 RISE strategy—with innovation and sustainability pillars—empowers SSB technology development to market. We aim at contributing to better materials consumption and a more balanced and diversified supply, building reliable and innovative partnerships in the industry. SSB topics covered: value proposition and market, Umicore specific updates, techno development journey and challenges still to be addressed, cooperation in the ecosystem. As we highlight remarkable achievements of past years, we go beyond the hype and acknowledge the challenges that are still ahead to deliver SSB value proposition.

In this presentation, we will discuss anode design strategies for introducing a carbon-based interlayer, from the perspective of reducing the interfacial resistance and preventing short-circuit formation. Via experimental measurements and computational modelling, we prove that the interlayers strategy effectively regulates lithium stripping/plating and prevents dendrite penetration in the solid-state electrolyte. By coupling the surface-engineered LLZTO with a lithium metal negative electrode, a high-voltage positive electrode (4mAh/cm2 NCA) with an ionic liquid-based liquid electrolyte solution in pouch cell configuration, we report 4000 cycles (retention 80.1%) at 2.2 mA/cm2 and 25 °C. We will also discuss 3D anode structural-design strategies to alleviate the stress caused by volume changes during charging and discharging.

Solid-state battery (SSB) is a potentially superior alternative to a state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery, owing to its merits in abuse tolerance, operable temperature ranges, and system integration. Though promising, SSBs still face barriers that hinder their practical application, such as insufficient physical contact and poor ionic transport. In this talk, we will propose the strategies of utilising gel polymer electrolytes to effectively enhance the interfacial compatibility.

Saft is developing new Li-ion products reflecting market needs: NMC/LTO cell for heavy-cycling applications, LMFP and other phosphate-based technologies for energy, power, and safety-critical applications. Future materials will allow the development of next generations of Li-ion technologies: HV phosphates, Li-rich rocksalts, and niobium oxides. Beyond conventional Li-ion batteries, Saft has launched a large program of R&D and industrialisation on solid-state technologies.

This talk will cover the development of LXMO, a new class of Lithium/Manganese (LMR) cathode material by Stratus Materials. The presentation will be data-intensive and show how this material succeeds in common full cell testing configurations as a compelling solution. We will focus on durability and safety performance as well as energy density.

This talk aims to create more clarity about next-generation Li-ion chemistries in terms of what they are and what their industrialization status is.