AdamBatt-2

Of the numerous commercially available battery types, the lithium-ion battery (LIB) stands out as the energy storage system with a high energy/power density, high reliability and a long cycle life. However, the constantly growing demand for more powerful batteries is pushing current battery concepts to their limits. Most battery manufacturers produce batteries with liquid electrolytes, which can lead to serious leakage and corrosion problems that shorten their service life or, in the worst case, even cause fires or explosions.

The use of solid electrolytes, which consist of polymers or inorganic materials, not only increases safety, but also offers a high degree of flexibility in the architectural design of the batteries. Although solid-state batteries based on polymer or ceramic ionic conductors offer greater safety, they cannot yet compete with conventional LIBs in terms of performance. This is where the concept of the “AdamBatt-2” research project comes in. The aim of the work in the sub-project of Forschungszentrum Jülich is the production and optimization of ceramic materials for use in hybrid solid-state batteries with high power and energy density and high intrinsic safety at the same time.

For this purpose, the optimization is to be knowledge-based, i.e. a deeper understanding of the ion transport processes at interfaces is to be achieved through the combination of simulations and NMR investigations on hybrid electrolytes. The verification of atomistic simulations of ion movements in the bulk and at interfaces requires the targeted use of spectroscopic methods that ensure comparability of the results. This characterization is carried out by the IET-1 using NMR. The overarching approach of experiment-characterization-modeling is intended to develop innovative materials and technologies that will serve as a basis for advancing the commercialization of Li-based solid-state batteries.