Material Science – Four Platforms Ensure Close Networking

The competence cluster ExcellBattMat works on four platforms, each bundles a current topic area of battery material development.

Platform P1: Lithium Metal Battery

Platform1 bundles cell concepts with the common overarching goal of realizing cells with lithium metal anodes that have a significantly higher charging capacity and competitive long-term stability compared to the state of the art. The science team is not only researching cell concepts with current oxide-based cathodes, but also sulphur-based cathode concepts for the realization of lithium-sulphur cells. Closely related is the further development of new electrolyte components (solvents, lithium salts, additives) as well as micro-structured cathode composites and protection concepts to realize long-term stable interfaces at anodes and cathodes of such cells.

Platform P2: Lithium-ion Battery

Description follows.

Platform P3: Analytics and Digitalization

Platform 3 bundles the competences of the four collaborative partners in theoretical analysis for the modelling and simulation of cell systems as well as individual physical processes. This platform is also a forum for the application and advancement of special experimental methods for the analysis and characterization of materials, structures and system properties up to the cell. The digitalization and standardization of measurement results from the various centers aims to make measurement methods and data comparable and available for later use, for example in modelling.

Platform P4: Innovative Electrode Concepts

For future battery systems with increased energy density, electrode concepts are being considered that cannot be produced using conventional production methods. These include thin-film processes for surface modification or active material deposition and structuring processes that allow targeted adjustment of the micro- and nanostructure of the electrodes. Platform 4 bundles the competences for the production and modification of these innovative electrode concepts and uses them to achieve specific, cross-center goals.