Environmentally friendly high-energy NCM 622 cathodes with optimized storage capacity/high load cathodes (HiLo)
Project duration: 01.08.2016 – 31.07.2019
Institutes:
- Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems (IKTS)
- Fraunhofer Institute for Silicon Technology (ISIT)
- Institute of Materials Science (ifWW)
- Technical University of Dresden (TUD)
The so-called electrodes are essential components of battery cells. By adapting the structure of the cathode, it is possible to significantly increase the energy storage density of lithium-ion battery cells in order to meet the requirements of automotive applications in particular and to increase the range of electric cars. This is where HiLo comes in. The aim of the project is to develop model-based suitable electrode structures for increasing the storage capacity of high-energy electrodes and to investigate technological approaches for the realization of such electrodes. So-called film extrusion and innovative dry coating processes will be considered.
This is to be done on both a laboratory and pilot plant scale. The use of dry coating processes means that the use of solvents is no longer necessary, which significantly increases the environmental compatibility of the manufacturing process and can also save costs. Furthermore, the electrodes developed are to be evaluated with regard to their processability as well as their performance. The mechanical properties are investigated in close cooperation with the ProZell consortium of the High Energy project. It is planned to consider the wettability of the electrodes with the electrolyte, as this has a significant influence on the electrolyte filling process downstream of electrode manufacture.
The models developed in the project are also validated to elucidate the suitable electrode structure and to predict the influence of the structural change with regard to the properties of the electrode. As a result of the project a deep understanding of the process design for the realization of optimized high-energy cathodes should be achieved, which includes the interaction with subsequent processes as well as the influence on the cell properties (storage density, performance). This knowledge can form the basis for reducing manufacturing costs while improving lithium-ion cells.