The Next Generation Battery Materials and Concepts project will develop materials and their processing technologies for solid-state lithium batteries (SSLB). Its focus is on materials for new lithium-metal anodes, both ceramic and polymeric electrolytes, as well as nickel-manganese-cobalt oxide (NMC) cathodes, and especially the phenomena at the interphases between the components. In addition to state-of-the-art slurry coating and printing processes, pulsed laser (PLD) and atomic layer (ALD) thin film deposition processes will be studied.
Finnish companies are global frontrunners in these processes. Moreover, cellulose-based webs will be used to reinforce battery components. The project will combine the thin film processing know-how by Pulsedeon Ltd and Beneq Ltd, with paper processing experience by Tervakoski Oy (Delfort), and battery materials and manufacturing skills by the research organizations.
Aalto University, Tampere University and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd will support the companies in the synthesis and characterization of battery materials and components. The objective is to demonstrate the functionality of the materials and concepts developed in nickel-manganese-cobalt-based solid-state lithium battery pouch cells. International cooperation with German, French, Italian and US companies and research organizations is foreseen.
The research organizations have received a total funding of about 1.2 MEUR from Business Finland for three years (2021–2024). The project is a part of Business Finland's Smart Mobility and Batteries from Finland program.
Aalto University acts as the coordinator of the project.
In the project, the key research topics at Aalto are:
About Aalto University
At Aalto University, we create the conditions needed for innovation, economic growth, employment and wellbeing. Our research focuses on seven key areas combining four core competences in the fields of ICT, materials, arts, design and business together with three grand challenges related to energy, living environment, and health.
The Department of Chemistry and Materials Science focuses on micro-, nano- and atomic scale engineering of compounds and materials. Our work in these areas encompasses synthesis, characterization and computational research. The research in the department focuses on advanced and functional materials, chemical synthesis, energy storage and conversion, as well as, molecular and materials modelling. Our teaching provides students a solid background for these topics.
Electrochemical Energy Conversion Research Group, led by prof. Tanja Kallio, investigates and develops materials and devices for electrochemical energy conversion and storage. The group's main research areas are:
Research group led by Professor Tanja Kallio
In the NextGenBat project, Tampere University (TAU) will implement its know-how on ceramic materials processing and pulsed laser deposition (PLD) coating technology to sensitive battery materials.
The TAU Ceramic materials research group investigates materials related to the PLD process, e.g., raw material development, target processing and post treatments of coatings. The target materials and structures of PLD are in a focal role for developing reliable and effective components for lithium-ion batteries.
About Tampere University
Multidisciplinary, foundation-based Tampere University is Finland’s second-largest university. TAU conducts scientific research in technology, health and society and provides the highest education within these fields. Tampere University Foundation that operates as Tampere University is also the majority shareholder of Tampere University of Applied Sciences. This new higher education community in Tampere consists of 30,000 students, 330 professors, and 4,400 employees.
Materials Science and Environmental Engineering (MSEE) is one of the units under Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences. MSEE has three research fields: Engineering Materials Science (EMS), Chemistry and Advanced Materials, and Bio and Circular Economy. The Engineering Materials Science research activities cover all material groups, i.e., metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites and technologies like surface engineering, paper and packaging, and tribology.
The Ceramic Materials research group, headed by prof. Erkki Levänen, focuses on research of green processing and properties of functional and engineering ceramics. The group has expertise on and access to equipment for whole manufacturing steps for ceramic materials, from powder synthesis and processing to shape forming and sintering. Current interlinked research highlights are; green scCO2 assisted laser processing of ceramics, inorganic circular economy, ceramics via PLD; plastic deformation of thin film alumina and 3D manufacturing of functional ceramic materials and structures.
Tampere University is one of the most multidisciplinary universities in Finland. Almost all internationally recognised fields of study are represented at our university.
VTT will focus on solid polymer electrolytes and their processing. We will test different pre-commercial polymers as the electrolyte and study the coating and printing methods for them. The polymer will be either infiltrated into a ready cathode layer, or mixed with the cathode materials before coating. The interfaces of the cathode and anode with the electrolyte will be optimized with help from the consortium partners.
About VTT
VTT is one of Europe’s leading research institutions. We are owned by the Finnish state. Our task is to advance the utilisation and commercialisation of research and technology in commerce and society. Through scientific and technological means, we turn large global challenges into sustainable growth for businesses and society. We bring together people, business, science and technology to solve the biggest challenges of our time. This is how we create sustainable growth, jobs and wellbeing and bring exponential hope.
VTT is a state-owned Finnish research institution.
Beneq atomic layer deposition (ALD) coatings enable manufacturing of improved solid state battery designs. In this project, we develop ALD coating solutions for various applications, including:
· Protective coatings on cathode materials
· Li-metal anode passivation and dendrite growth prevention
· Artificial solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on anode materials
· Solid state electrolyte (SSE) by ALD
Samples will be done using traditional batch ALD and spatial ALD systems to study the feasibility of scaling to roll-to-roll (R2R) ALD for mass production.
About Beneq Oy
Beneq Oyis a leading supplier of Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) equipment for research and various applications within semiconductor, display, electronics, silver, and optical coatings industries. Beneq is also the only manufacturer of electroluminescent displays, which are fully enabled by ALD technology. Beneq offers wide variety of ALD equipment ranging from small research scale systems to industrial scale batch systems, fully automated wafer systems and Roll-to-Roll systems. Beneq has developed Roll-to-Roll ALD technology and equipment for more than 10 years and has a strong patent portfolio around the technology. Beneq sees R2R ALD technology as a key enabler in future lithium batteries. Beneq employs 170 people and has revenue of approximately 30 million euros.
Beneq is the most recognized provider of atomic layer deposition equipment and R&D services.
In the NextGenBat project, Tervakoski Oy develops fiber-based ecological battery separator papers which can be utilized in battery cell structures containing solid electrolytes.
About Tervakoski Oy
At Tervakoski, we produce and sell innovative and customized speciality papers to over 60 countries worldwide. Our product range consists of high-quality coated and uncoated thinprint papers, ecological packaging papers, baking papers, tipping base papers, electrical insulation papers and design and handmade papers. We are ISO certified and also produce Nordic Ecolabel products. Tervakoski Oy is part of delfortgroup AG, an Austrian paper group.
At Tervakoski, we produce and sell innovative and customized speciality papers to over 60 countries worldwide.
In the project, Pulsedeon develops multilayer solutions containing an anode (Li or Si), inorganic solid state electrolyte, and various barrier layers.
About Pulsedeon
Pulsedeon develops next-generation Li-ion battery solutions based on advanced processing methods like pulsed laser deposition (PLD). The key applications of the method are related to ultra thin lithium, inorganic solid state electrolyte and barrier layer for semisolid state, all-solid-state, and hybrid battery solutions. Pulsedeon has two main technology sites in Finland, in Ii and Tampere. Pulsedeon's technology is protected by an international patent portfolio. Pulsedeon collaborates with several global industrial and research partners, including several government-funded projects in Finland and in the EU.
Pulsedeon develops next-generation Li-ion battery solutions based on pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technology and other complementary technology.
International projects aim to develop new more environmentally friendly materials and production methods for rechargeable lithium batteries
Our professor Tanja Kallio was interviewed as an expert in HS Vision.
