Progetto: Advanced Methods for PROcessing of Solid-State Electrolyte and Cathode materials for high energy-density Li-metal batteries in automotive applications - FISA 2024 - 00228 - Decreto Concessione Prot.18583_25nov25 - Resp. Scient. Prof. Andrea Paolella
ProjectThe electrification of the automotive sector is driving the academic and industrial research of advanced
energy storage devices, with manufacturers of hybrid and fully electric vehicles seeking energy-dense
batteries at a cost below 100 €/kWh. Both industrial and academic efforts have identified possible ways to
achieve this goal, focusing on the development of batteries based on high-energy cathodes, lithium metal
anodes, and solid-state electrolytes. However, these technologies still face several challenges and synergies
between components has not been achieved. One of the main obstacles is developing methods for aqueous
processing of cathode materials, aiming to eliminate the use of toxic solvents, reduce costs and improving
environmental sustainability. Another challenge is enhancing the stability, performance, and
manufacturability of solid-state electrolytes. A third and crucial challenge is ensuring that cathodes and solid-
state electrolytes function effectively when combined in the final system, overcoming the major obstacle of
surface compatibility to facilitate ion migration and diffusion. High-nickel cathodes are moisture-sensitive,
limiting their processability in water, while solid-state electrolytes face commercialization challenges due to
poor performance and immature production methods.
The project proposed here aims at developing an innovative all-solid-state-battery design, demonstrating an
alternative and sustainable approach to the industrialization of high-energy-density lithium metal solid-state
batteries for automotive applications at high TRL. This will be achieved through surface functionalization of
lithium nickel manganese cobalt active material particles and the use of in-situ polymerizable solid-state
electrolytes developed for high-surface electrochemical compatibility.
energy storage devices, with manufacturers of hybrid and fully electric vehicles seeking energy-dense
batteries at a cost below 100 €/kWh. Both industrial and academic efforts have identified possible ways to
achieve this goal, focusing on the development of batteries based on high-energy cathodes, lithium metal
anodes, and solid-state electrolytes. However, these technologies still face several challenges and synergies
between components has not been achieved. One of the main obstacles is developing methods for aqueous
processing of cathode materials, aiming to eliminate the use of toxic solvents, reduce costs and improving
environmental sustainability. Another challenge is enhancing the stability, performance, and
manufacturability of solid-state electrolytes. A third and crucial challenge is ensuring that cathodes and solid-
state electrolytes function effectively when combined in the final system, overcoming the major obstacle of
surface compatibility to facilitate ion migration and diffusion. High-nickel cathodes are moisture-sensitive,
limiting their processability in water, while solid-state electrolytes face commercialization challenges due to
poor performance and immature production methods.
The project proposed here aims at developing an innovative all-solid-state-battery design, demonstrating an
alternative and sustainable approach to the industrialization of high-energy-density lithium metal solid-state
batteries for automotive applications at high TRL. This will be achieved through surface functionalization of
lithium nickel manganese cobalt active material particles and the use of in-situ polymerizable solid-state
electrolytes developed for high-surface electrochemical compatibility.