A number of manufacturers have launched their first generation of sodium-ion batteries in 2023. The technologies used differ significantly and cover a wide range in cathode and anode materials and cell design. The performance characteristics are correspondingly different. Also on the application side, different scenarios are emerging for the use of SIB, whether as a hybrid concept with LIB or as a stand-alone technology for storage and mobile applications. The presentation highlights current and future SIB technologies and makes an assessment of future market development based on demand expectations and production capacities.

Chem4Batteries GmbH purpose is to validate latest cell technologies and shorten the time to market to commercialize battery innovations faster. We working with leading cell manufacturer in the high-performance automotive segment as well as leading materials suppliers and new entrants into the value chain. Based on our in-depth industry knowledge and long-year trusted relationships along the entire battery value chain from raw material mining to battery cell making, paired with our fundamental electrochemical expertise, puts us in the unique position to seek, assess, and develop new businesses. We help our clients to navigate through new battery technology trends and their shift into localisation by building strategic collaborations and alliances.

The shift in the automotive landscape towards electric vehicles (EVs) took a defining turn when the GMC Hummer EV emerged. The transformation of an iconic gas-guzzler into an EV muscle car heralded a meaningful change in the market. However, to realize the environmental aspirations of EVs, a comprehensive evaluation of the battery supply chain, from sourcing raw materials to recycling, is imperative.

Outlook on acheiving manufacturing targets with on-demand supply balance for Li, Ni, Co, Mn, and graphite; alternative feedstock and processing routes; comparing costs and CO2 emission; strategies to secure critical raw materials adopted by major players; framework for holistic evaluation of manufacturing strategies.

We propose to apply physics-based computer simulation in order to support the optimisation of specific process steps in the production of lithium ion batteries and pack assembly. We will mainly concentrate on two aspects: the time-consuming process of electrolyte wetting in a cell and the foam encapsulation of cylindrical cells in a battery pack. We will describe our simulation approach and discuss how simulation results can be used to improve process design.

As the world looks to electrification to meet our climate goals, and recently introduced policies are deploying billions of dollars to accelerate our progress, we must invest in manufacturing processes built for long-term success. The cathode is the battery’s most costly and carbon-intensive part; thus, it creates a critical supply chain bottleneck in realizing the decarbonization impact we desire. A lower-cost, more sustainably-manufactured EV is achievable in the near term by employing a future-proofed next-generation cathode manufacturing process.

Presentation will detail CPI’s work in supporting the main challenges faced by innovators in battery materials development. Several topics will be presented including details of a new facility for open access synthetic scale-up development of novel active materials, supporting the transition from lab scale to commercial validation in industrially relevant cell formats.  This facility will also incorporate process analytical tools (PAT), soft sensors, and modelling in development of materials synthesis. This will build on CPI's expertise in process chemistry and process engineering development.

In this lecture I present the latest research carried out in my group regarding the development of digital twins of battery manufacturing processes. I present also, an innovative software solution integrating data management, simulation, manufacturing optimization, and personalised training capabilities. Such a software can be used in both computer and mixed reality environments, breaking the barrier between the digital and the real worlds.

Industry needs to monetize on and scale up innovative and sustainable solutions that can improve battery performance, safety and manufacturing efficiency of the lithium metal anode. This is a critical technology for the development and commercialization of solid-state batteries and other battery systems. The core of Livent technology is LIOVIX, proprietary printable lithium formulation. The ability to print lithium metal anodes opens the pathway for the diverse ranges of anode width and thickness, and allows cell manufacturer to easily change cell design and format to meet application requirements.

Since our company's inception, we have collaborated with cell manufacturers and automotive OEMs to address numerous development and production challenges related to cells. Leveraging the expertise of our engineers who have extensive experience in the lithium-ion battery field, we offer comprehensive solutions from cell design to mass production. In this presentation, we will showcase the development methodologies using the Beff Platform, complemented by real-world examples.

In today's fast-paced battery production landscape, where ambitious goals for scalability and data ownership are at the forefront, understanding the critical role of testing and data analytics is paramount. That is why in this session, we want to focus on the current challenges that we see in battery pack and module production test through the latest electrical validation test techniques. We will also talk about the fast amount of data that is generated in this process and how it can be used through smart data analytics tools to influence your overall efficiency.