Periodic Reporting for period 2 - ADVAGEN (Development of ADVAnced next GENeration Solid-State batteries for Electromobility Applications)
Periodo di rendicontazione: 2024-02-01 al 2025-07-31
The current battery market is largely dominated by lithium-ion (Li-ion) technology, primarily due to its significant advancements in energy density and a notable reduction in cost by at least a factor of ten. However, conventional Li-ion batteries (LIBs) are approaching their performance ceiling in terms of energy density and are increasingly facing safety concerns. This has created a pressing need to develop next-generation batteries, such as Solid-State Batteries (SSBs), which can support the establishment of a new industrial value chain in Europe for their commercialisation. Producing high-energy-density SSBs within the EU will help secure a stable supply for the automotive industry and other sectors. Therefore, the development and deployment of advanced manufacturing technologies capable of supporting large-scale SSB production is essential. The BATTERY 2030+ roadmap highlights manufacturability as a key focus area in the pursuit of sustainable battery development and production. The adoption of innovative, scalable manufacturing processes for SSBs is expected to accelerate cost reductions, enhance energy efficiency, and improve safety. The ADVAGEN consortium is working to develop a new lithium metal (LiM) battery cell technology based on a reliable, high-performance hybrid solid-state electrolyte (LLZO-LPSCl), offering a competitive edge over global competitors, particularly those in Asia. This initiative will strengthen the EU’s leadership in battery technology and manufacturing, as outlined in the ERTRAC electrification roadmap and SET-Plan Action Point-7, with a strong emphasis on sustainability. The ADVAGEN consortium brings together leading EU stakeholders in the battery field, including industrial material suppliers (CPT), battery producers (AVESTA), research and development centres (IKE, CEA, IREC, TUBS, CICe, POLITO, INEGI, UL, FEV), and automotive industry representatives (TME), covering the full spectrum of knowledge and value creation. Their overarching goal is to restore Europe’s competitiveness in battery cell manufacturing by designing batteries that are not only high-performing and safe but also economically viable.
The ADVAGEN project centers on developing a hybrid oxide-sulfide solid-state battery using LPSCl and LLZO as the primary inorganic components. Across various work packages (WPs), each team member has diligently worked to meet their deadlines, resulting in 18 of 31 deliverables being submitted, 10 approved, 8 under review, and 2 pending due to activity delays. Progress includes the creation of hybrid oxide-sulfide electrolytes, NMC811-LPSCl catholytes, Li-metal anodes, and their integration into lab-scale cells using pellet electrodes and limited trials with layered electrolytes. Sulfide material production has been refined for performance and purity, with different oxide-sulfide ratios tested to meet KPIs, achieving ionic conductivities above 1 mS/cm and solid electrochemical results. The NMC811 cathode process yielded a promising discharge capacity of ~125 mAh/g in pellet-based coin cells. Li-metal anodes, both with and without protective layers, have shown average performance. On the pilot line, a cutting-edge liquid-state coating and assembly system is being adapted to suit ADVAGEN’s solid-state cell design. Multiscale modelling has progressed positively in both reporting periods, though further input is needed for the data-driven model. An eco-design framework has been developed and submitted, with partners actively gathering relevant data from ongoing work, literature, and directives to support advanced hybrid oxide-sulfide battery systems. The ADVAGEN team remains united in pursuing project goals, maintaining strong communication, risk management, and a shared commitment to success, confident in overcoming challenges in the final reporting phase.
The ADVAGEN project is expected to deliver outcomes that go beyond the current state of the art in the coming months. By month 36 (M36), the layered oxide-sulfide hybrid solid-state electrolyte has demonstrated more stable cycling performance compared to pure sulfide. Additional results and deeper process studies are anticipated as the project nears completion. At present, ADVAGEN partners are preparing a patent application for the LPSCl sulfide synthesis as part of their intellectual property (IPR) strategy. In multiscale modelling, the goal remains to reach breakthroughs beyond the state of the art, with key results expected soon. The module design, based on optimal modelling parameters, has been completed and validated under patent number EP24382682.3. Life cycle analysis, cost evaluation, and recycling efforts are focused on data gathering and inventory building, aiming to establish a reliable and standardised method for future solid-state battery recycling, currently lacking in the market. These efforts are expected to yield innovative recycling solutions. Communication, dissemination, exploitation, and networking activities are actively promoting the R&D efforts of all ADVAGEN partners, ensuring maximum visibility of results that surpass current standards. The project is also increasing its scientific publication output, particularly through close collaboration with the Solid4B Cluster and other related initiatives.