- Quantifying Electrode Expansion in Lithium battery cells with Silicon and Lithium anodes (Daniel Abraham)
Electrochemical dilatometry is the typical method for determining electrode expansion in cells containing silicon and lithium anodes. In this presentation we will introduce a novel technique – X-ray dilatometry – conducted on battery cells at the Advanced Photon Source synchrotron, Argonne National Laboratory. Particulars of our experimental approach and observations on cells with Si and Li anode will be discussed during the talk.
- Early-stage evaluation of the safety of new battery chemistries (Paul Albertus)
Battery safety evaluation typically begins once a multi-layer cell prototype is available. We are working on methods to move the timeline for safety evaluation to earlier stages of the development of new chemistries, when work is focused on materials and cell components. To achieve this we make use of specific methods in sample preparation, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) operation, and heat flow analysis. This talk will focus on our recent work in both method development and application to battery chemistries of interest to the CREB community.
- Commercialization of 100% Silicon Anodes via GDI's Advanced Electrode Architecture and Industrial PECVD Equipment (Rob Anstey)
Silicon has one of the highest lithium-ion storage capacities, thereby increasing energy density and charging speeds of Li-ion cells. However, the expansion of silicon and the reactivity of the resulting anodes have caused major challenges in cell manufacturing and performance. Increasing the percent of silicon has resulted in larger coulombic losses, shorter calendar life, and damage to the components of commercial cells. GDI aims to solve these challenges from the bottom-up via a 100% silicon anode architecture that leverages an existing industrial supply chain, high volume manufacturing methods, and integrates into existing cell manufacturing
- Innovation to Commercialization of Silicon Battery Technology (Rick Costantino)
- U.S. Department of Energy Electric Vehicle Battery Research Pathways and Key Results (Brian Cunningham)
The U.S. Department of Energy set key technical targets necessary to enable Electric Vehicles (EV) to be as affordable as gasoline vehicles. A focus of this effort is the development of more cost-effective, longer lasting, and more abuse-tolerant EV batteries. VTO’s battery R&D effort includes multiple activities, ranging from battery materials research to battery cell and pack development and testing. This discussion will highlight the current battery R&D pathways supported by VTO and key technical results with a specific focus on Silicon and Lithium Metal Anodes.
- Impact of Chemical Crossover in Lithium-ion Cells with Silicon Anode (Ram Manthiram)
Chemical crossover between electrodes plays a critical role in the performance of lithium-ion cells. While the detrimental impact of crossover from layered oxide cathodes to graphite anode is well known in the literature, the impact of such crossover in cells comprised of high-nickel cathodes and silicon anodes is not fully understood or established. Furthermore, the anode to cathode crossover in such cells needs to be understood as well. This presentation will focus on the understanding developed on such crossovers in cells with high-nickel cathodes and silicon anodes, employing in-depth electrochemical measurements and advanced characterization methodologies.
- Progress on Deciphering the Role of Silicon Physiochemical Properties (Amy Marschilok)
Silicon is a promising electrochemical energy storage material due to opportunity for high theoretical capacity. However, significant volume changes upon (dis)charge cycling can lead to material degradation and exposure of new reactive surfaces. Progress in deciphering the role of silicon physiochemical properties and approaches to overcome these challenges will be discussed in this presentation, including the role of complementary characterization techniques.
- Solid-State Batteries: A Non-EV Applications Perspective (Dennis McOwen)
- Silicon Anodes from Plasma-Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition of Silicon Nanoparticles (Nathan Neale)
High-performing silicon anodes are achieved using plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition of silicon nanoparticles (PECVD Si NPs). We will show our work to understand how surface chemistry modification of individual PECVD Si NPs is the critical step allowing them to be processed into anodes containing greater than 90 wt% silicon (based on total electrode mass) that achieve U.S. DRIVE goals of cycle life at least 1000 with an anode available specific capacity greater than 2000 mAh/g. Research-scale pouch cells containing PECVD Si NP anodes exhibit promising calendar life performance that is being projected out to multiple years. We additionally will highlight our efforts in constructing a pilot-scale facility enabling kg-scale production and processing of PECVD Si NPs to accelerate research on this new technology.
- Update on Lyten's Lithium Sulfur Cell Development and Manufacturing Capabilities (Paul Schisselbauer)
The presentation will be a high-level discussion of the LiS technology roadmap and the manufacturing capabilities of Lyten's 2 MWh Pilot Line, 100 MWh Mini-Mega Factory, and 6 GWh Giga Factory.
- Preventing Lithium Metal Plating in Li-ion Batteries Using 100% Active Silicon Composite Anode (Nirav Shah)
Silicon anodes for Li-ion batteries provide more than three times the volumetric capacity as graphite anodes that dominate the current rechargeable battery market today. However, traditional Li-ion battery technologies are unable to utilize Si as an anode material due to the high swelling of the particles during cycling. Enovix’ novel architecture enables a 100% active Silicon composite anode that is not only higher energy than traditional graphite cells, but also is resistant to Lithium metal plating over 100’s of cycles. This results in cells that are not only higher energy, but also safe.
- Material structure and cell design – high performance cells for present and future applications (Ionel Stefan)
Over the last 15 years Amprius has developed silicon material structures with 100% silicon content from idea to scaled manufacturing, integrating them into Li-ion cells that are doubling the energy density performance of current state-of-the art graphite batteries. The road to manufacturing and cell designs will be presented, including applications in electric flight and micromobility.
- Buried Interfaces and their Dynamics During Silicon Cycling (Gabriel Veith)
This presentation will present results from neutron scattering to probe the interface chemistry of silicon anodes during charging, discharging, and aging. Prior knowledge of neutrons is not required. The presentation will show that the interface chemistry and structure of the silicon solid electrolyte interphase is highly dynamic. The SEI chemistry changes with state of charge from inorganic to organic (and back again) while expanding up to 400 Å per cycle. This dynamism impacts battery performance and lifetime resulting in the observed capacity losses with cycle and time. The results also point to pathways to improve electrode performance which will be discussed.
Oxide-based solid-state Li-batteries (SSLiBs) have the potential to be a transformational and intrinsically safe energy storage solution due to their non-flammable ceramic electrolyte that enables the use of high-capacity Li metal anodes and high voltage cathodes for higher energy density over a much wider operating temperature range. However, their progress has been limited due to electrode/electrolyte interfacial issues. In particular for Li-metal anodes concerns over dendrite formation/propagation and the requirement for elevated temperature and high stack pressure are still prevalent. To eliminate these concerns a rational design of tailored materials, structures, and interfaces in Li-metal anodes will be presented. In addition, demonstration of high-rate Li metal cycling, achieving 100 mA/cm 2 at room temperature with no applied pressure, and progress toward full cells using these tailored materials, structures, and interfaces will be presented.
- Low-Temperature Electrolytes for MicroSi-based Li-ion batteries (Chunsheng Wang)
Silicon anodes offer lower cost and higher capacity than graphite in Li-ion batteries. However, they suffer from fast capacity decay and low Coulombic efficiency in carbonate electrolytes. Using nano-sized alloying anodes can enhance the cell cycle life but also reduce the battery calendar life and increase manufacturing costs. We developed electrolytes that enable micro-sized Si anodes to achieve a long cycle life in a wide temperature range from -40oC to +40oC at lean electrolytes without electrode swelling due to the formation of LiF-rich inorganic SEI on Si. The electrolytes also enable the micro-Si||NMC811 full cells to achieve high performance in wide temperatures.
- Next Generation Silicon and Other Material Technologies for Future Li-ion Batteries (Gleb Yushin)
Advancements in the capabilities of lithium-ion batteries have slowed down in the last decade. As conventional electrode materials approach their theoretical limits, substantial gains in battery energy density only come as a trade-off in safety or performance. This talk will discuss how replacing conventional active and inactive materials will significantly improve performance, enabling lighter, higher power and higher energy batteries. For example, Sila's innovative and patents-protected nanocomposite silicon-carbon anode powder exhibits low volume changes during cycling, offers six times higher gravimetric capacity than graphite, permits both fast charging and over 20% more energy density today over state-of-the-art lithium-ion, and thus enables radical product innovation. Most importantly, this material has been shipping in devices for over three years and is scaling up for massive electric vehicle (EV) use. With Sila’s industrialized and scaled scientific innovation, portable electronic, electric vehicle, drone and other specialty device manufacturers can create breakthrough products today.
- Daniel Abraham, Argonne National Laboratory
Daniel conducts research on lithium batteries used in electric vehicles, consumer electronics and grid energy storage. He has authored over 180 articles in peer-reviewed journals and delivered over 350 technical presentations in popular, academic, and industrial settings. His work enables the development of materials and components that enhance battery performance, life, and safety. Dr. Abraham is also a research advisor and mentor to various undergraduate students, graduate students, postdoctoral associates and junior scientists. He has received awards for “exceptional work in developing the next generation of scientists and engineers.”
- Paul Albertus, University of Maryland
Paul Albertus is currently an Associate Professor in the Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Department and the Associate Director of the Maryland Energy Innovation Institute, both at the University of Maryland. He previously served as a Program Director at ARPA-E, leading the initiation and management of a range of electrochemical projects. His research group is focused on electrochemical energy technologies, including solid state Li metal batteries, with a focus on electrochemical-mechanical coupling and safety.
- Rob Anstey, Graphenix Development Inc (GDI)
Rob Anstey is the Founder and CEO of Graphenix Development (GDI) in Rochester, New York. In collaboration with ARL and CREB, GDI is investigating pure silicon anodes intended to be compatible with any lithium battery architecture. GDI also does roll-to-roll manufacturing, dispersions, and coatings. Anstey's Doctor of Law is from Northeastern University and he has an undergraduate degree from McGill as well.
- Rick Costantino, Group 14 Technologies
Henry “Rick” Costantino is CTO and co-founder of Group14 Technologies. Rick has over 30 years of experience developing stable, high-performance products at the molecular level for companies such as Genentech, Alkermes, Nastech, and enerG2. Rick’s efforts have culminated in numerous commercial products, from peptide and protein therapeutic delivery systems to novel electrode materials for advanced ultracapacitors, lead-acid batteries, and lithium ion batteries. Rick holds 70+ U.S. patents and has over 50 publications. Rick holds a B.S. and M.S. in Chemical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University and a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from M.I.T.
- Brian Cunningham, Program Manager, Vehicle Technologies Office, Energy Storage R&D, U.S. Department of Energy)
Brian Cunningham is the Program Manager for the Batteries R&D sub-program within the Department of Energy’s Vehicle Technologies Office. Brian has worked with the Battery Program since 2009. Brian serves as the co-chair of the United States Advanced Battery Consortium’s Management Committee, a member of the Federal Consortium for Advanced Batteries Leadership Team, and senior member of Li-Bridge alliance. Prior to working at DOE, Brian received his bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Virginia. Brian enjoys spending time and chasing around his two young boys and wife.
- Ram Manthiram, University of Texas at Austin
Arumugam Manthiram is the George T. and Gladys H. Abell Endowed Chair of Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin. He has authored more than 1,000 journal articles and 22 issued patents with 125,000 citations and an h-index of 172. Manthiram has mentored close to 300 students and postdoctoral researchers, including the graduation of 76 Ph.D. students. He delivered the 2019 Chemistry Nobel Prize Lecture on behalf of Professor John Goodenough.
- Amy Marschilok, Stony Brook University
Amy Marschilok is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Stony Brook University in Stony Brook, NY. She is an Adjunct Faculty in the Departments of Materials Science and Engineering and Chemical and Molecular Engineering and Co-Director of the Institute of Energy: Sustainability, Environment and Equity. She also has an appointment at Brookhaven National Laboratory. She is Energy Storage Division Manager and Energy Systems Division Manager in the Interdisciplinary Science Department.
- Dennis McOwen, Ion Storage Systems
Dennis McOwen is the Director of Ceramics R&D at ION Storage Systems. His team develops technology for bilayer solid electrolyte used in ION solid-state batteries. He received a PhD from North Carolina State University investigating novel liquid electrolytes for Li-ion batteries. He was a Postdoctoral Researcher, then Research Scientist at the University of Maryland. He investigated microstructured LLZO solid electrolytes
- Nathan Neale, National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Nathan Neale received a PhD in organometallic chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley in 2003. His research at NREL leverages his molecular chemistry background and focuses on developing novel wet chemical and gas-phase approaches to tailor the compositional structure and surface chemistry of nanostructured inorganic semiconductors and related materials for photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, solar fuels, and electrochemical energy storage. He is one of NREL’s leading experts in active materials for lithium-ion battery anodes and is building a pilot-scale research facility to scale up and de-risk barriers to commercialization for a novel silicon nanoparticle anode technology.
- Paul Schisselbauer, Lyten
Mr. Paul Schisselbauer is a Battery Fellow at Lyten – an advanced materials company headquartered in San Jose, CA. He has over 37 years of experience designing and manufacturing lithium batteries for military, space, and medical applications. He has been involved in numerous successful battery programs and his work has resulted in several patents and trade secrets. Mr. Schisselbauer holds a Master of Engineering in Engineering Science, Mechanics and Materials, from The Pennsylvania State University, Malvern, PA and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering Technology from Temple University, Philadelphia, PA.
Nirav Shah is an R&D Fellow at Enovix Corp. leading the research and design of Enovix’ novel Li-ion battery technology. Enovix is a global high performance battery company utilizing 100% active Silicon to provide the next generation of high energy rechargeable Li-ion batteries. Shah is listed as an inventor on 30+ patents related to secondary battery technology and has 17+ years of experience in using Si and Si composites as anodes for next generation Li-ion batteries.
Ionel Stefan joined Amprius in its early days in 2009 as a Senior Scientist, initially to lead electrochemistry for silicon nanowire anode-based lithium-ion batteries. Dr. Stefan now leads Amprius' development of silicon nanowire electrochemistry, cell technology - including material design, cell design and engineering - and product development. At Amprius, he has served as Principal Investigator on multiple projects, including NASA, Army, DOE and USABC-funded research and development efforts. Dr. Stefan received his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Case Western Reserve University (2002) with research activities focused on the development of new materials and devices for energy production and storage.
- Gabriel Veith, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Gabriel Veith is a Distinguished Staff Scientist within the Chemical Sciences Division at ORNL. His research focuses on the development of new materials and processes related to energy storage/conversion applications as well as fundamental studies of liquid-solid and solid-solid interfaces. Particular areas of focus include sodium ion battery chemistry, using neutrons to probe reactive interfaces, physical vapor deposition processes to coat vacuum stable materials, and solid state batteries. He has 280 published papers, 15 patents, 8 patents submitted, two R&D 100 awards and one Federal Laboratory Consortium Award. He is also the honorary scientific advisor for the Charlotte-Mecklenberg Police Department (Burglary Division).
- Eric Wachsman, University of Maryland
Eric Wachsman is a Distinguished University Professor at the University of Maryland with appointments in the Departments of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (CHBE). He is also the Director of the Maryland Energy Innovation Institute and Past President of The Electrochemical Society. His research is focused on solid ion-conducting materials and electrocatalysts, including solid state batteries, solid oxide fuel cells and electrolysis cells and ion-transport membranes.
- Chunsheng Wang, University of Maryland
Chungsheng Wang, is a Professor of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Maryland, and the Director of the Center for Research in Extreme Batteries. Wang's current research activities include rechargeable batteries, applied electrochemistry, fuel cells, electroanalytical technologies, nanostructured materials, electrochemical gas separation and compression.
- Gleb Yushin, Silanano and Georgia Institute of Technology
Dr. Gleb Yushin is a Co-Founder & CTO of Sila. He is also a Professor of Materials Science at Georgia Institute of Technology and an Editor-in-Chief for Materials Today. Gleb has co-authored over 180 peer-reviewed publications, and over 240 US and international patents and patent applications. For his contributions to the development of energy storage materials Gleb has received numerous awards and was elected to be a Fellow of multiple organizations: the International Society of Electrochemistry (ISE), the Materials Research Society (MRS), the Electrochemical Society (ECS), the EU Academy of Sciences, and the National Academy of Inventors (NAI). Gleb holds BS and MS degrees in Physics from Polytechnic Institute and a PhD in Materials Science from North Carolina State University.