Development of Solid Electrolytes for Solid-State Lithium Batteries

Context: The development of safe and cost-effective high energy density all-solid-state lithium batteries can realize the dream of the sustainable road transport system. Mainly two reasons are driving research on such systems. First, the state-of-the-art lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with liquid electrolytes (LEs) pose safety and reliability issues due to their flammability and instability under harsh conditions. Second, the use of Li metal as an anode is not possible at the moment which limits the energy density of the batteries. In this regard, solid electrolytes (SEs) exhibit several advantages: SEs suppress Li dendrite formation, non-flammable, and enable high power density for all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs). Despite their obvious advantages, the use of SSBs is currently delayed by the limited availability of stable and high performant Li+ transporting SEs.
Objectives: The overall objective of this project is to develop new and advanced Li+ conducting solid electrolytes with high interfacial and electrochemical stability for its employment in future generation all-solid-state lithium batteries and to develop advanced concepts to build all-solid-state lithium batteries.
Approach: The project will focus on key challenges via two routes. Selected Li+ transporting SEs will be modified suitably to attain increased interfacial stability and to reduce the grain boundary resistance. In a second approach, novel Li-containing fluoride compounds with high stability will be screened, and selected systems will be developed for enhanced Li+ conductivity and integration in solid-state battery cells.