Advanced Materials and Design Rules for Interface Engineering Towards a New Generation of Li-ion Batteries

MIT PIs:
C. Cem Taşan – Thomas B. King Associate Professor of Metallurgy

PT PIs:
Carlos Miguel da Silva Costa – Universidade do Minho – Centro de Física e Química

Abstract: Lithium-ion batteries play an essential role in the use of electrical energy for portable applications and electrical vehicles in order to increase their autonomy and safety. The issues to be improved for the next years for lithium-ion batteries are their performance (capacity and power), safety and cost, as well as to reduce their environmental impact.

The goal of this project is to develop a solid-state Li-ion batteries (SSBs) with focus on interface engineering and advanced techniques for characterization of interfaces in SSBs The optimization of energy density, power and lifetime of the batteries requires an understanding of the electrochemical mechanisms at atomic and mesoscopic scales. In this project this will be achieved by in-situ investigation on the interface combining electro-chemical fatigue tests, in-situ microstructural damage assessment methods for electrode–electrolyte interfaces. The investigation will focus on the development of improved materials for anode (Graphite), cathode (LixFePO4, LixNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2) combined with Graphene quantum dots and solid-polymer electrolytes based on electroactive polymer synergistically combined with two complementary fillers such as ionic liquid (IL) and mesoporous fillers such as zeolites, MOFs with superior electrochemical, electrical, thermal and mechanical properties and cyclability. These materials for the battery components will be developed from the best materials combination in order to be able to improve electrode–electrolyte interfaces in the batteries. In order to improve the interface, the electroactive polymer is poled to prevent dendrite growth. The addition of graphene quantum dots improves the electrical conductivity of the electrodes as well as the interface between electrode/solid polymer electrolyte. Together with the development of materials, their characterization by electro-chemical fatigue tests offers a unique opportunity to explore the electrochemical phenomena opening the understanding of these effects at the nanoscale. Thus, novel SSBs will be produced with improved performance, higher energy density and security, longer cycle lives, lower environmental impacts and new battery designs. Together with a deeper understanding of the physical properties of the materials, this work is significant because of the growing interest and need of materials for energy related applications. The project represents a research effort of specialized young and senior scientist as well as a tight collaboration with Taşan and Van Vliet labs at MIT.

The proposed work supports our long term objectives, is built on our research experience over the last few years with relevant publication in the field[GorenCosta15],[GoncalvesMiranda19],[MirandaGoren19], [CostaLee19] and [FelipeBarbosa21], and represents a step forward in the direct technical interest of our work and its technology transfer. Proofs of concept and innovative papers in all the areas involved in this research project support the capacity of the team to carry out successfully the innovative challenge of this investigation where this project pretends to achieve both scientific and technological impact.