A non-academic perspective on the future of lithium-based batteries

Abstract

In the field of lithium-based batteries, there is often a substantial divide between academic research and industrial market needs. This is in part driven by a lack of peer-reviewed publications from industry. Here we present a non-academic view on applied research in lithium-based batteries to sharpen the focus and help bridge the gap between academic and industrial research. We focus our discussion on key metrics and challenges to be considered when developing new technologies in this industry. We also explore the need to consider various performance aspects in unison when developing a new material/technology. Moreover, we also investigate the suitability of supply chains, sustainability of materials and the impact on system-level cost as factors that need to be accounted for when working on new technologies. With these considerations in mind, we then assess the latest developments in the lithium-based battery industry, providing our views on the challenges and prospects of various technologies.

A monofluoride ether-based electrolyte solution for fast-charging and low-temperature non-aqueous lithium metal batteries

“…28 ). To maximize the battery specific energy 31 , a 320 mAh Li||NCM811 pouch cell is also fabricated under strict conditions (areal capacity: 4 mAh cm −2 , N/P: 2, and electrolyte: 2.4 g Ah −1 ). The prototype Li metal pouch cell could provide high specific energy of 426 Wh kg −1 (at the current density of 0.4 mA cm −2 ) based on the total weight of the entire cell, including the current collector, electrode, separator, and electrolyte (Fig.…”

“…Electrochemical tests of 50-μm-thick Li||high-loading NCM811 coin cells with monofluoride electrolytes exhibit an areal capacity of 3.5 mAh cm −2 , good cycling performance at 17.5 mA cm −2 and stable low-temperature (−30 °C) operation over 150 cycles. Moreover, we also assembled and tested a practical 320-mAh-level Li||NCM811 pouch cell (with a technology readiness level of 4) 31 , which delivered an initial specific energy of 426 Wh kg −1 (based on the weight of the entire cell) and capacity retention of 80% after 200 cycles at charge/discharge rates of 0.8/8 mA cm −2 .…”

Technology Roadmap for Flexible Sensors

“…Imec870 and InnovationLab871 are good examples, bridging the gap between academic research and industrial applications. Existing infrastructure in manufacturing facilities, supply chains, peripheral services, trained workforces, policies, and legislation all impact the feasibility of technology translation 872.…”

Battery researchers in academia and industry should collaborate more effectively

“…In a recent peer-reviewed Perspective article 2 , scientists and analysts from Volta Energy Technologies, Scania and Sphere Energy (three companies dealing with battery technology at a large-scale level) raise critical points that are valuable to all involved in battery research, academics in particular. One of the main messages the authors want to get across is to remind academics how far-removed their research is from the end-users.…”

“…Instead, we believe authors should propose an informed opinion about how their material, chemistry, approach or performances can achieve the next TRL level. For many articles with a performance focus, the next TRL level means being able to demonstrate reliable safety and performance data for hundreds of cells (A-level prototyping) 2 .…”