Polymer electrolytes (PE) offer a promising solution to overcome the safety issues arising from the highly flammable organic solvents in conventional liquid batteries. In addition, the low density of PEs, as compared to other solid electrolytes like garnet, achieves high gravimetric energy density. In this presentation, the performance of new flexible and highly conductive PEs will be provided.

Our group has dedicated a significant amount of effort to improve the performance of lithium-sulfur batteries over the past several years. In this talk, I will touch on some of the discoveries our group has made in the use of partially fluorinated ethers as electrolyte co-solvents and their effects on the Li-S battery chemistries.

The electrochemical performance and mechanistic effects of incorporating two salts (LiFSI/LiTFSI) in an ether electrolyte in Li-metal cells were investigated experimentally and via molecular scale modeling. These results provide new insight into how the bisalt effect can be leveraged for regulating the timescale, chemistry, and extent of interfacial reactions. When balanced properly, this promotes efficient plating/deplating of Li, and potentially supports widespread implementation of high-nickel content NMC cell configurations with limited or no excess lithium.

GBatteries is pioneering the only demonstrated technology that enables ultra-fast charging (50% capacity in 5 minutes and ~80-100% capacity in 10 minutes) of Li-ion batteries without reducing cycle life and without changing the battery chemistry. GBatteries will present an innovative way to charge Li-ion batteries using a smart pulse charge approach as an alternative to CCCV, which reduces irreversible chemical reactions and allows to achieve an ultra-fast charge.

Building Li-ion batteries better suited for fast charging is key to the deployment of electric vehicles. The results of a four-year project, including electrochemical testing and post-mortem analysis of both commercial and custom-built cells will be presented. These results provide general guidance towards the selection of best chemistries and manufacturing parameters to maximize the fast-charging abilities of batteries, especially at low temperature.

The complexity and expense of manufacturing all-solid-state batteries have long hindered the development of large-scale all-solid-state batteries for transportation and grid storage applications. Key issues include electrolyte-electrode interfacial resistance, air and moisture stability, and mass production capabilities. This talk will discuss the existing manufacturing methods and present a new manufacturing method which overcomes challenges in interfacial resistance and scalability by using synchronized electrospinning and electrospraying.

The DOE’s Battery Manufacturing Facility (BMF) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has been very instrumental in expediting key innovations in advanced battery materials research, manufacturing and cell prototyping that enable low-cost, high-energy, safer and long-life cells capable of fast charging. BMF provides the ability to analyze every aspect of battery cell development, from raw materials and electrode dispersion to finished product and performance testing and diagnostics.

Conformal graphene coatings are demonstrated on a variety of high energy density lithium-ion battery cathode materials using scalable solution processing. The chemical inertness of the graphene coatings mitigates surface degradation and minimizes the formation of the solid electrolyte interphase, thus improving cycling stability. In addition, the high electrical conductivity of graphene minimizes cell impedance, resulting in enhanced high-rate performance.

Livent has been supplying the Li-ion industry high-quality lithium products, including carbonate, hydroxide, and metal since the 1950s. To meet the world’s growing demand for portable electronics, electric cars, and large-scale stationary storage facilities, Livent focuses its R&D on testing and understanding new ways to improve energy storage and lithium delivery. Livent’s printable lithium technology paves the way for the commercialization of the next generation of advanced lithium-ion and solid-state batteries.

Michael will be available to take your questions from his live tutorial given earlier in the day. A recording of the tutorial is scheduled to be available for on demand viewing by 10:00am on July 30, 2020 and the original live broadcast will take place at 7:30am - All Times Eastern Daylight (UTC-04:00)

This talk will delve into the technical challenges with implementing novel conversion-type electrodes and will introduce an innovative drop-in-replacement silicon-based anode powder that enables 20% more energy today over state-of-the-art lithium-ion to power wearables, portable electronics, and electric vehicles.