Anagrafe della ricerca

The greatest challenges towards worldwide success of electric vehicles revolve around safety, energy density and cost of battery technologies. Innovation in the materials chain is fundamental to address these challenges by replacing flammable and unstable liquid electrolytes and enabling dendrite-free cycling of high-energy Li-metal cells manufactured by sustainable, cost-effective procedures. The EnabLi project aims at demonstrating key-enabling advances in the development of all-solid-state battery technology by employing crosslinked hybrid polymer electrolytes laminated onto the Li metal anode and high-voltage cathodes coated with a polymer electrolyte with high oxidation potential. Special attention will be devoted to the optimization of interfaces: unique combination of their development guided by advanced modelling/characterization will enable all-solid-state cells that feature improved energy density (ED of 700 Wh/kg at the materials level), durability and greatly enhanced safety at competitive cost in line with generation 4b targeted by EU roadmap to 2030. Our strategies to reach the targets at laboratory-scale level chiefly include: i) development of hybrid polymer-based electrolytes with high thermal/electrochemical stability; ii) development and application of newly designed high-ED 4V class cathodes at low Co-content for high energy/power cells; iii) understanding of interface chemical/structural features, electrical response, and charge transfer phenomena by advanced atomistic modelling. To validate the innovative materials and approaches, prototype cells will be designed with focus on automotive application and tested in different conditions of temperature, current regimes, and long-term cycling, to understand and detect ageing/safety-related issues. Green, sustainable chemical approaches will be used, including solvent-free electrolyte processing and water-based cathode formulation. EnabLi engages 3 internationally renowned Italian academic groups with unique combination of complementary skills, all involved in the Battery2030+ initiative. It is organized in 5 intertwined workpackages exploring the entire value chain from computationally assisted screening of electrode/electrolyte materials and their sustainable production/processing, to the application of advanced electrochemical characterization and, finally, their assembly in full cell prototypes in pouch configuration (TRL-4). The research and innovation actions carried under EnabLi will pave the technological route for the implementation of a national rechargeable battery industry, also enabling higher uptake by the electromobility sector and end-consumers, in view of climate neutrality and green energy transition by 2030 and beyond. The total human effort to reach project goals will be guaranteed by involvement of researchers with competence and time per activities, and purposely employed and trained Young Researchers, with most attention paid to ensure gender balance.