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Silicon Alloying Anodes for High Energy Density Batteries comprising Lithium Rich Cathodes and Safe Ionic Liquid based Electrolytes for Enhanced High VoltagE Performance.

Project description

Driving electric vehicles to the future of battery technology

Driving range, cost and recharge times are the three major roadblocks to electric vehicle (EV) uptake. The roll-out of better charging infrastructure is expected to increase sales in the coming years. With this in mind, the EU-funded Si-DRIVE project will develop the next generation of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, allowing for cost-competitive mass market EVs. Specifically, the project will harness innovations in transformative materials and cell chemistry to deliver superior energy density, cycle life and fast charging capabilities. The technology consists of amorphous silicon coated onto a conductive copper silicide network as the anode with polymer/ionic liquid electrolytes and lithium-rich high-voltage (cobalt-free) cathodes via processes that are scalable and demonstrably manufacturable within Europe.

Objective

Si-DRIVE will develop the next generation of rechargeable Li-ion batteries, allowing for cost competitive mass market EVs by transformative materials and cell chemistry innovations, delivering enhanced safety with superior energy density, cycle life and fast charging capability using sustainable and recyclable components.The technology encompasses amorphous Si coated onto a conductive copper silicide network as the anode with polymer/ionic liquid electrolytes and Li-rich high voltage (Co-free) cathodes via processes that are scalable and demonstrably manufacturable within Europe.The components have been demonstrated at TRL3 through preliminary lab-scale analysis, with a clear component improvement strategy to arrive at a TRL5 prototype demonstration by the end of Si-DRIVE. Comprehensive theoretical and experimental studies will probe and control interfacial processes that have heretofore limited Li-ion technologies to incremental gains, guiding materials design and eliminating capacity fade mechanisms.The Si-DRIVE technology will exceed the stringent demands of EV batteries where safety is paramount, by dramatically improving each component within the accepted Li-ion platform and achieving this in a market competitive process with whole of life considerations. The technology will also demonstrate suitability for 2nd life applications at reduced energy density beyond the primary EV lifetime, prior to cost effective materials recycling, consistent with a circular economy.The Si-DRIVE consortium boasts the required academic and industrial partner expertise to deliver this technology and spans material design and synthesis, electrochemical testing, prototype formation and production method validation, life cycle assessment and recycling process development.

Call for proposal

H2020-NMBP-ST-IND-2018-2020

See other projects for this call

Sub call

H2020-NMBP-ST-IND-2018

Coordinator

UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK
Net EU contribution
€ 1 158 420,74
Address
NATIONAL TECHNOLOGICAL PARK, PLASSEY
- Limerick
Ireland

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Region
Ireland Northern and Western Border
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost
€ 1 158 420,74

Participants (17)