BMBF competence cluster for solid-state batteries (FestBatt)

© Fraunhofer IWS
Scheme of anode concept based on porous carbons

Motivation

Solid state batteries are a promising concept for the further development of currently available batteries. They are very similar to conventional lithium-ion batteries with liquid electrolytes and differ from them mainly in that a solid electrolyte is used instead of a liquid electrolyte. This difference plays a major role in ensuring that solid-state batteries can offer higher storage capacities, shorter charging times and greater safety in the long term than conventional lithium-ion batteries. The "FestBatt" competence cluster is working interdisciplinarily on the production, optimization, processing and upscaling of suitable solid electrolytes for the batteries of the future.

Aims

The aim of FestBatt is to secure the evaluation of new materials by industry and application-oriented institutes. The necessary competencies in the areas of development, production, optimization and upscaling of suitable solid electrolytes are bundled in the FestBatt cluster. 21 groups at 12 scientific institutions throughout Germany are working on this. Representatives of selected industrial companies are supporting the project. The competence cluster is coordinated by the Center for Materials Research (ZfM) at Justus Liebig University in Giessen. The cluster is integrated into the umbrella concept of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) for battery research.

The Fraunhofer IWS participates in the platforms "Thiophosphates" and "Production".

FB2-Thio – Cell Platform Thiophosphates

In the material platform "Thiophosphates" Fraunhofer IWS researchers develop a new anode concept based on porous carbons. This approach aims to solve a fundamental problem of the lithium metal anode (morphological instability above critical current density). The carbon framework turns the 2-dimensional into a 3-dimensional interface at which metallic lithium can be reversibly deposited. If successful, the thickness change of the cells and the need to apply external pressure can also be significantly reduced.

Project coordination

Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen

Project partner

Max-Planck-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der Wissenschaften e. V.
Technische Universität Carolo-Wilhelmina zu Braunschweig
Fraunhofer-Institut für Werkstoff- und Strahltechnik IWS
Technische Universität Dresden
Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster

FB2-Prod – Cross-Sectional Platform Production

In the platform "Production" Fraunhofer IWS is working on the solvent-free production of composite cathodes (thiophosphate/NMC) and sulfidic separators. The process will be demonstrated in a continuous powder-to-roll process and is thus another example of the application possibilities of the DRYtraec® technology.

Project coordination

Fraunhofer-Institut für Energietechnik und Angewandte Materialforschung IFAM

Project partner

Technische Universität Carolo-Wilhelmina zu Braunschweig
Technische Universität München
Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)
Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH

FestBatt