ExcellBattMat Center Dresden
ExcellBattMat Center Dresden

Project

Structural mechanical cathode adaptation to silicon and lithium based anode materials (KaSiLi)

SEM image of a silicon layer with defined structure: The anodes' properties in the battery application can be controlled by selectively adjusting the structure and thickness of the layers.
© Fraunhofer IWS Dresden
SEM image of a silicon layer with defined structure: The anodes' properties in the battery application can be controlled by selectively adjusting the structure and thickness of the layers.

The EBZ Dresden research consortium is developing key components for a new battery generation including a significant increase in energy density compared to today's lithium ion cells within the KaSiLi project (Structure Mechanical Cathode Adaptation for Silicon and Lithium Materials).

Thin lithium or silicon layers form the anodes of these battery cells and their high specific capacity enables a leap in energy density of up to 70 %. The project’s success depends on a fundamental understanding of the electrochemical and structural material properties, new methods for the production of electrode materials, and a holistic approach involving cathode and cell design.

Thanks to their lower weight and volume, the new battery generations can, in future, significantly increase the range of electric vehicles and enable new applications (e.g. in electric aviation).

Topics

 

© Fraunhofer IWS Dresden

Topic 1

Electrode materials

Electrodes are key components of the battery cell and the electrode structure is decisive for the cell properties.

Accordingly, this topic focuses on the development of new electrode materials and their analysis of their mechanical and electrochemical properties.

Electrode materials
 

© Fraunhofer IKTS Dresden

Topic 2

Cell development

Negative and positive electrodes, as well as electrolytes and separators, are integrated in the battery cell. Coordination of all components with regard to electrochemical, but also structural-mechanical properties is crucial for high quality and improved battery functions. This topic thus focuses on the holistic battery cell developments.

Cell development
 

© Leibniz IFW

Topic 3

In-situ characterization

In order to gain a fundamental understanding of the complex, electrochemical processes involved in battery cell operation, new methods for in-situ characterization are required. Studies of the material composition by means of spectroscopic methods and structural characterization by means of diffraction are used to analyze the new cell systems during operation.  

In-situ characterization