Moreover, the binders must be chemically stable and inert in the battery’s electrolyte to avoid degradation, which can compromise the electrode structure and lead to battery failure. Inhomogeneous distribution of conductive phases can limit electronic and ionic conductivities and affect the mechanical contact of the electrodes.
The efficiency and lifespan of the battery depend on the quality of materials used and the management of ion transfer. The voltage of the battery is determined by the chemical potential difference between the cathode (µc) and the anode (µa), which is influenced by the electrochemical potential window of the electrolyte.
However, an ever-increasing demand for higher energy and power densities, higher charging rates, higher Coulombic efficiencies, longer cycle life, and better safety are driving the need for a greater understanding of battery materials on the microscopic-to-atomistic scale. [ 2]
In the battery laboratory, all methods can be applied in a micro-environment using a glovebox under inert atmosphere. The battery laboratory at Fraunhofer IFAM has the suitable technologies for each step of battery development: Selection of the right materials is important for the successful development of a solid-state battery.
Choice and Types of Materials for Main Components Materials themselves are the most fundamental design factors that determine the electrochemical potential window, reaction chemistry (including reaction kinetics and mechanisms), and the types of batteries (e.g., aqueous, non-aqueous, polymeric, or solid-state).
The key parameters include state-of-charge, rate capacity or power fade, degradation and temperature dependence, which are needed to inform battery management systems as well as for quality assurance and monitoring.