OCULUS

Lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) are considered one of the most promising technologies for future batteries. They combine sustainable materials with a very high energy density. This battery concept has already achieved energy densities of over 400 Wh/kg in prototype cells. The main problems with LSBs are their short cycle life and the limited energy density caused by the heavy liquid electrolyte.

A promising alternative is solid-state-based lithium-sulfur batteries (LS-SSBs). These use a solid electrolyte, which avoids the problems of LSBs and theoretically increases the energy density – an important advantage for applications such as electric aircraft or heavy-duty trucks.

At present, LS-SSB technology is at an early stage of development (TRL 2–3). Several challenges, such as understanding the electrode microstructure and the conversion mechanisms, have not yet been resolved.

The OCULUS project has the overarching goal of developing a scalable high-energy concept for solid-state lithium-sulfur cells as time-efficiently as possible. In doing so, environmentally friendly materials are to be used for the electrodes. The specific innovation objectives of OCULUS are:

1. Development of a scalable cell stack with a lithium anode and a sulfur/carbon/argyrodite cathode (TRL 4)
2. Fabrication of a nano- and microstructured cathode composite with optimal material utilization (TRL 4)
3. Development of a lightweight anode composite to prevent lithium dendrites and to increase safety and cycle life (TRL 3–4)
4. Identification of mechanisms and development of new, advanced measurement methods for the analysis of solid-state batteries (TRL 2–3)

The OCULUS consortium, consisting of partners from Saxony (Germany), Slovenia, and Austria, is very well positioned to achieve its ambitious goals. It focuses on material innovations, advanced characterization techniques, and environmentally friendly coating and manufacturing processes.

The team brings together internationally recognized experts with extensive experience and patents. In addition, Sixonia is involved as an industrial partner (SME), and an industrial advisory board ensures a strong link to the value chain.

With OCULUS, the consortium will address the key challenges of future energy storage technologies and establish itself as an innovative pioneer with technological expertise in Europe and in Saxony.