R&D Stream
Lithium-Ion Development & Commercialization
Delivering Higher Performance at Lower Cost
March 28-29, 2018 | Fort Lauderdale Convention Center | Fort Lauderdale, Florida USA
Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) represent a multibillion-dollar industry. Thus, research on LIB breakthroughs
by delivering higher performance through lower cost is essential. Many of the recent efforts to improve lithium-ion batteries have focused on developing anode or cathode materials that can hold more charge in a given volume, leading to higher energy
densities. To meet this goal, a diverse mix of disciplines, including chemistry, electrochemistry, materials science, physics, engineering, and manufacturing, is required. Transforming basic discovery science to battery design to research prototyping
to manufacturing is essential for rapid improvements in performance and cost after commercialization. The Lithium-Ion Development & Commercialization: Delivering Higher Performance at Lower Cost conference spans the continuum from cells to packs, covering basic materials research and electrochemical engineering to scale-up processes ultimately utilized by industry.
Wednesday, March 28
1:30 pm Shep Wolsky Battery Innovator Award and Tribute & Plenary Keynotes
1:45 Past, Present and Future of Lithium-Ion Batteries. Can New Technologies Open Up New Horizons?
Yoshio Nishi, PhD, Executive Alumni, Sony Corporation
Mr. Yoshio Nishi is retired senior vice president and chief technology officer of the Sony Corporation. He graduated in 1966 from the Faculty of Applied Chemistry of the Department of Technology at Keio University in Tokyo and immediately joined Sony,
where he rose through the ranks to become corporate research fellow, vice president, and president of the company’s materials laboratories. In 1991 his team succeeded in the commercialization of the first lithium-ion secondary batteries (LIB).
In 1994 he received technical awards from the Electrochemical Societies of both Japan and the United States in recognition of his contributions to LIB technology. In 2014, Dr. Nishi was awarded the Draper Prize by the National Academy of Engineering
for pioneering and leading the groundwork for today’s lithium-ion battery. Since the early 1990s, LIBs were introduced into various mobile devices and we were reasonably confident that our customers would be satisfied with their performance.
Shortly afterwards, however, we noticed that there were some discrepancies between the performance we offered and that expected by our customers. Dr. Nishi will discuss here what LIB users really require from secondary batteries.
2:05 Global Electrification and LG Chem
Denise Gray, CEO, LG Chem Power
Denise Gray is President/CEO of LG Chem Power Inc. (LGCPI), the North American subsidiary of lithium-ion battery maker, LG Chem (LGC), Korea. In this position, she has overall responsibility for the strategic direction, engineering, and business development
activities for the North American market. The majority of her professional career, nearly 30 years, was spent at General Motors in the USA. Director of Battery Systems Engineering, Director of Transmission Controls Engineering, Director of Powertrain
Controller Engineering, Director of Powertrain Software Engineering, and development of powertrain and vehicle electrical systems were her core engineering responsibilities. A review of the current global trends in vehicle electrification and automotive
battery technologies will be presented. This will be carried out highlighting LG Chem’s participation in the various segments from materials, cell and cost points of view.
2:25 Addressing Key Battery Issues from a Thermodynamics Perspective
Rachid Yazami, PhD, School of Materials
Science & Engineering, Program Director, Energy Storage, Energy Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
Rachid Yazami is a French Morrocan scientist best known for his research on lithium-ion batteries and on fluoride-ion batteries. He is the inventor of the graphite anode (negative pole) of lithium-ion batteries. In 2014 Rachid Yazami, John Goodenough,
Yoshio Nishi and Akira Yoshino were awarded the Draper Prize by the National Academy of Engineering for pioneering and leading the groundwork for today’s lithium-ion battery. In this presentation, we will show how online thermodynamics data
collection and processing addresses the SOC and SOH determination. We found a universal rule, which applies to all LIB tested at any SOH (ageing), that is the SOC is a linear function of entropy and enthalpy. Linearity coefficients are LIB chemistry
and SOH dependent. Therefore, the thermodynamics assessment method teaches on the type of cathode material and on the degree of anode and cathode degradation as the battery ages.
2:45 Refreshment Break in the Exhibit Hall with Poster Viewing
3:30 Organizer’s Opening Remarks
Mary Ann Brown, Executive Director, Conferences, Cambridge EnerTech
3:35 Chairperson’s Remarks
Robert Gitzendanner, PhD, General Manager & Executive Director, Lithium Engineering, Yardney Division, EaglePicher Technologies LLC
3:40 FEATURED PRESENTATION: Comprehensive Enhancement of Nanostructured Lithium-Ion Battery Cathode Materials via Conformal Graphene Dispersion
Mark C. Hersam, PhD, Walter P. Murphy Professor of Materials Science and Engineering;
Director, Northwestern University Materials Research Center, Northwestern University
Efficient energy storage systems based on lithium-ion batteries represent a critical technology across many sectors including consumer electronics, electrified transportation, and a smart grid accommodating intermittent renewable energy sources. Nanostructured
electrode materials present compelling opportunities for high-performance lithium-ion batteries, but inherent problems related to the high surface area to volume ratios at the nanometer scale have impeded their adoption for commercial applications.
Here, we demonstrate a materials and processing platform that realizes high-performance nanostructured lithium manganese oxide (nano-LMO) spinel cathodes with conformal graphene coatings as a conductive additive. The resulting nanostructured composite
cathodes concurrently resolve multiple problems that have plagued nanoparticle-based lithium-ion battery electrodes including low packing density, high additive content, and poor cycling stability. Moreover, this strategy enhances the intrinsic advantages
of nano-LMO, resulting in extraordinary rate capability and low temperature performance. With 75% capacity retention at a 20C cycling rate at room temperature and nearly full capacity retention at -20 °C, this work advances lithium-ion battery
technology into unprecedented regimes of operation.
4:10 Achieving Higher-Energy Density in Lithium-Ion Battery Cathodes
Guoying Chen, PhD, Staff Scientist, Energy Storage and Distributed Resources
Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Cathode materials are key to the development of next-generation high-energy lithium-ion batteries. In this presentation, we discuss our recent progress towards high-energy cathodes using two approaches: exploring high-capacity Li-excess oxides that utilize
both cation and anion redox chemistries and engineering active particle surface to expand the voltage window of stable operation. Insights on future direction in research and development will also be presented.
4:40 Advancement of Lithium-Ion Cell Chemistry and Design for Improved High-Energy and High-Power Applications
Robert Gitzendanner, PhD, General Manager & Executive Director,
Lithium Engineering, Yardney Division, EaglePicher Technologies LLC
Commercial (COTS) lithium-ion high-energy cells push >250mAh/g and power cells are capable of supporting >20C discharge rates. However, the most cutting-edge DEW and MEA applications require rates that far exceed the capability of commercial cells.
EaglePicher has developed ultra-high-power cells that can support pulse loads in excess of 200C and continuous loads in excess of 100C. Similarly, EaglePicher has been pushing the performance envelope for high-energy systems, increasing energy density
through chemistry and cell design enhancements.
5:10 Networking Reception in Exhibit Hall with Poster Viewing
6:10 Close of Day
Thursday, March 29
7:45 am Registration Open
7:45 Interactive Breakout Discussion Groups with Continental Breakfast
Participants choose a specific breakout discussion group to join. Each group has a moderator to ensure focused discussions around key issues within the topic. This format allows participants to meet potential collaborators, share examples from their work,
vet ideas with peers, and be part of a group problem-solving endeavor. The discussions provide an informal exchange of ideas and are not meant to be a corporate or specific product discussion.
TABLE 1: Future Electrode Manufacturing for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Jianlin Li, PhD, Research Scientist, Energy & Transportation Science Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
TABLE 2: Battery Storage Integration into the Electric Grid
Vivian Sultan, Professor, Information Systems and Business Management, College of Business and Economics, California State University, Los Angeles
TABLE 3: Li-Ion Battery Safety: Prediction, Prevention, Levels and Legalities
John Zhang, PhD, Senior Technology Executive Officer, Asahi Kensai Group, Japan
TABLE 4: Conductive Additives for High Rate LIB Performance
Rob Privette, Vice President, Energy Markets, XG Sciences
TABLE 5: Battery Charging, What Features Will Be Required in the Future?
Naoki Matsumura, Senior Technologist, Intel Corporation
TABLE 6: Battery Safety Testing and Simulation
Brian Barnett, PhD, Vice President, CAMX Power
TABLE 7: Battery Degradation and Safety
Craig Arnold, PhD, Director, Princeton Institute for the Science and Technology of Materials, Princeton University
TABLE 8: Lessons Learned from the Samsung Galaxy Note7 Battery Safety Events
Shmuel De-Leon, CEO, Shmuel De-Leon Energy, Ltd.
8:45 Session Break
9:00 Chairperson’s Remarks
Alexandre Chagnes, PhD, Professor, Head, National Network Promethee, Université de Lorraine-Georessources
9:05 The Costs and Environmental Impacts of Lithium-Ion Battery Production and Recycling
Rebecca Ciez, PhD, Postdoctoral Fellow, Andlinger Center for Energy and
the Environment, Princeton University
This talk explores both the economic and environmental costs associated with producing and disposing/recycling lithium-ion batteries. A process-based cost model assessment of the costs of domestic Li-ion battery cell manufacturing will be offered in an
effort to understand the current market pricing structure observed around the world, and the commensurate burden associated with disposing or repurposing cells after use will be also be examined.
9:35 Challenges for the Development of Sustainable Lithium-Ion Batteries
Alexandre Chagnes, PhD, Professor, Head, National Network
Promethee, Université de Lorraine-Georessources
Recycling of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is mandatory to protect the environment and it is also a good opportunity from an economical viewpoint since LIBs contain valuable metals. This presentation gives an overview on recent advances in LIBs recycling.
10:05 Development of High-Performance Lithium-Ion Batteries
Yangxing Li, PhD, Chief Scientist, Watt Lab, Central Research Institute,
Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
High-performance lithium batteries are desirable in modern society, especially on enhanced safety, improved energy density, increased rate capability and high-temperature performance. To achieve high-energy density for batteries, significant efforts
have been taken to develop high-capacity electrode materials, high cut-off voltage cathodes, and increased loading density. Some specific technical approaches to achieve high-performance lithium-ion batteries will be discussed.
10:35 Coffee Break in the Exhibit Hall with Poster Viewing
11:20 Measurement and Origins of Conductivity Variations in Commercial Li-Ion Electrode Films
Brian Mazzeo, PhD, Associate Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering,
Brigham Young University
Because microstructural variation is inherent in electrode film formation, commercial electrodes exhibit significant variations in their electronic conductivity properties across different length scales. Flexible micro-line electrical probes and numerical
inversion techniques can be used to scan across areas of electrodes to quantify the conductivity variation that exists. By imaging areas with significant variation, microstructural morphology variations can be correlated to these conductivity
variations.
11:50 Research-Scale Testing and Evaluation for Lithium-Ion Electrodes and Materials
Jason R. Croy, PhD, Materials Scientist, Electrochemical Energy Storage,
Materials Science Research Group, Chemical Sciences and Engineering Division, Argonne National Laboratory
This talk discusses efforts at Argonne National Laboratory to standardize materials, procedures, and protocols within a large, multi-institutional program aimed at understanding degradation mechanisms occurring in high-energy/high-voltage lithium-ion
cells. These efforts include cycling protocols, evaluation of performance metrics, analysis of data and model, experimental systems designed to provide connection between theory and experiment.
12:20 pm Advances in Electrode Coatings Technology: Combining Formulation Chemistry and Processes to Improve Performance
Stuart Hellring, PhD, Senior Scientist, Research & Development, Automotive Coatings, PPG
12:50 Session Break
1:00 Networking Luncheon (Sponsorship Opportunity Available) or Enjoy Lunch on Your Own
2:00 Dessert Break in the Exhibit Hall with Poster Viewing
2:30 Chairperson’s Remarks
Yang-Tse Cheng, PhD, Frank J. Derbyshire Professor of Materials Science, Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Kentucky
2:35 Technical and Economic Analysis of Solvent-Based Lithium-Ion Electrode Drying with Water and NMP
Jianlin Li, PhD, Research Scientist, Energy & Transportation Science
Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Total electrode manufacturing costs contribute about 8-9% of the total pack cost. However, it was found that up to a 2 × reduction in electrode processing (drying and solvent recovery) cost can be expected along with a $3-$6 M savings in associated
plant capital equipment (for a plant producing 100,000 10-kWh Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) batteries) when using water as the electrode solvent.
3:05 Working towards Making Better and Cheaper Lithium-Ion Batteries
Yang-Tse Cheng, PhD, Frank J. Derbyshire Professor of Materials
Science, Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Kentucky
We have recently investigated an electrostatic spray process for making lithium-ion battery electrodes. This process does not use organic solvents that are used in the conventional slurry mixing and casting process, thus eliminating the cost associated
with solvent evaporation and recovery. Our results suggest that the dry coating process is a promising alternative to the conventional wet process of making electrodes.
3:35 Dry Printing Manufacturing to Enable Long-Life and High-Energy Lithium-Ion Batteries
Yan Wang, PhD, William Smith Foundation Dean's Associate Professor, Mechanical
Engineering and Chemical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Here we demonstrate an advanced powder printing technique that is completely solvent-free and dry. Through removing the solvent and related procedures, this method is anticipated to statistically save 20% of the cost at a remarkably shortened production
cycle. The dry printed electrodes outperform commercial slurry cast ones in 650 cycles, and thick electrodes are successfully fabricated to increase the energy density.
4:05 Accelerating the Commercialization and Launch of New Battery Materials with Special Focus and Emphasis on Manufacturability of New Materials and Designs
Curtiss Renn, PhD, Senior Scientist, Polaris Laboratories LLC
There are tremendous developments associated with new materials to enhance the performance of rechargeable batteries and many challenges that make the transition to full production difficult and time consuming. Polaris Labs works with a variety of
developers and strives to help them move quickly through the development process to full production. We point out areas to consider in the assessment and processing of new materials as well as considerations to ease the transition to full production.
4:30 PANEL DISCUSSION: The Cost of Quality in Advanced Battery Development and Manufacturing
Moderator:
John Wozniak, President, Energy Storage and
Power Consulting
Panelists: Bruce Miller, Technology Strategist, Dell
Brian Cunningham, Engineer, U.S. Department of Energy
Curtiss Renn, PhD, Senior Scientist, Polaris Laboratories LLC
Additional Panelists to be Announced
The development of durable and affordable advanced batteries for use in automotive, consumer electronics and stationary applications drives R&D activities. This panel of experts examines the true cost of quality and how approaches to the
development of advanced batteries must be adapted to avoid the significant pitfalls on the road to commercialization.
5:30 Close of Conference