Periodic Reporting for period 2 - SPINMATE (SCALABLE AND SUSTAINABLE PILOT LINE BASED ON INNOVATIVE MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGIES TOWARDS THE INDUSTRIALISATION OF SOLID-STATE BATTERIES FOR THE AUTOMOTIVE SECTOR)
Reporting period: 2024-02-01 to 2025-07-31
SPINMATE is a Horizon Europe initiative involving 13 partners across 7 countries, aiming to showcase a scalable, sustainable, safe, and cost-efficient digital-based proof-of-concept pilot line at technology readiness level 6. This serves as a foundational step toward the mass production of generation 4b solid-state battery (SSB) cells and modules, supporting the automotive sector’s electrification. SPINMATE seeks to influence the battery sector by laying the groundwork for next-gen SSB cell manufacturing.
The project’s innovation focuses on developing, refining, and scaling up SSB cell components, integrating digitalisation and modelling into the manufacturing process, and optimising and demonstrating the pilot line. SPINMATE’s strategy addresses key challenges: (a) using lithium metal anodes, which differ mechanically and electrochemically from graphite or silicon-based ones; (b) employing a flexible solid electrolyte that can be roll-processed like Li-ion separators, though potentially unsuitable for Z-folding, limiting stacking to pick-and-place methods; and (c) adapting cutting and placement tools to accommodate the unique mechanical traits of the materials.
SPINMATE’s Gen 4b SSB cells will help establish a new European value chain for commercialisation. This advanced technology will deliver: (1) higher energy density, surpassing current LIB limits; (2) greater safety for both systems and workers; (3) more sustainable large-scale production; and (4) reduced carbon footprint and cost.
The project’s innovation focuses on developing, refining, and scaling up SSB cell components, integrating digitalisation and modelling into the manufacturing process, and optimising and demonstrating the pilot line. SPINMATE’s strategy addresses key challenges: (a) using lithium metal anodes, which differ mechanically and electrochemically from graphite or silicon-based ones; (b) employing a flexible solid electrolyte that can be roll-processed like Li-ion separators, though potentially unsuitable for Z-folding, limiting stacking to pick-and-place methods; and (c) adapting cutting and placement tools to accommodate the unique mechanical traits of the materials.
SPINMATE’s Gen 4b SSB cells will help establish a new European value chain for commercialisation. This advanced technology will deliver: (1) higher energy density, surpassing current LIB limits; (2) greater safety for both systems and workers; (3) more sustainable large-scale production; and (4) reduced carbon footprint and cost.
SPINMATE is a collaborative research initiative focused on advancing solid-state battery (SSB) technology through multiple development scenarios aimed at achieving high volumetric and gravimetric energy densities. The technical work began by defining R&D and pre-industrial scenarios, based on material and process development, while addressing technical constraints identified by partners involved in materials and manufacturing.
The project is also working on key SSB components, such as high-performance polymer electrolytes with strong ionic conductivity and electrochemical stability. The positive electrode is being optimised by incorporating additives and a catholyte based on PVdF-HFP polymer, which is also used in the solid electrolyte formulation.
In addition, experiments were carried out to boost cathode material capacity, including testing various calcination gases to reduce carbonate formation during air-based calcination. The project is also gathering data to support the development of machine learning models.
Among its key achievements, SPINMATE has successfully upscaled high-quality NMC811 for pilot-line electrode production, passed lab-scale battery performance tests with promising results, and is now ready to proceed with manufacturing 1–10 Ah pouch cells. It has also actively collaborated with other Horizon Europe projects through the Solid4B Cluster.
The project is also working on key SSB components, such as high-performance polymer electrolytes with strong ionic conductivity and electrochemical stability. The positive electrode is being optimised by incorporating additives and a catholyte based on PVdF-HFP polymer, which is also used in the solid electrolyte formulation.
In addition, experiments were carried out to boost cathode material capacity, including testing various calcination gases to reduce carbonate formation during air-based calcination. The project is also gathering data to support the development of machine learning models.
Among its key achievements, SPINMATE has successfully upscaled high-quality NMC811 for pilot-line electrode production, passed lab-scale battery performance tests with promising results, and is now ready to proceed with manufacturing 1–10 Ah pouch cells. It has also actively collaborated with other Horizon Europe projects through the Solid4B Cluster.
Cell scenario setup: The project defined various material development levels—such as polymer electrolyte thickness and density, cathode synthesis protocols, and component ratios in the positive electrode—to boost both volumetric and gravimetric energy densities in proof-of-concept cells.
SSB components: Initial results from monolayer pouch cells show excellent lithium plating/stripping performance. Electrolyte membranes have been integrated into full cells with high-voltage cathodes, demonstrating promising cycling stability at room temperature.
Positive electrode assessment: The formulation of the positive electrode was refined and tested in solid-state cells (Li/SPE/NMC811), achieving strong discharge capacity and high coulombic efficiency at room temperature.
Calcination atmosphere on NMC811: Precise calcination temperatures and oxygen-rich environments helped control crystallinity and Li/Ni cation mixing. Using extra lithium in precursors and post-treatment preserved stoichiometry. These combined strategies led to a 40% average capacity increase and improved retention.
Cell target calculations: Based on lab-scale trials, the calculated energy density values confirm the feasibility of reaching the project’s performance targets.
SSB components: Initial results from monolayer pouch cells show excellent lithium plating/stripping performance. Electrolyte membranes have been integrated into full cells with high-voltage cathodes, demonstrating promising cycling stability at room temperature.
Positive electrode assessment: The formulation of the positive electrode was refined and tested in solid-state cells (Li/SPE/NMC811), achieving strong discharge capacity and high coulombic efficiency at room temperature.
Calcination atmosphere on NMC811: Precise calcination temperatures and oxygen-rich environments helped control crystallinity and Li/Ni cation mixing. Using extra lithium in precursors and post-treatment preserved stoichiometry. These combined strategies led to a 40% average capacity increase and improved retention.
Cell target calculations: Based on lab-scale trials, the calculated energy density values confirm the feasibility of reaching the project’s performance targets.