Topic 01-26 : Sustainable and green batteries: fluorinefree lithium-ion cells

Proposed PhD Research Project would comprise design and optimization of fluorine-free electrolyte compositions and investigation of their behavior in cells with electrodes matted with non-fluorine binders. Developed compositions would be tested in half cells and full cells. SEI formation would be investigated to select and compare proposed electrolyte and electrode components interactions. Electrochemical stability, conductivity and lithium cation transference number measurements would be used for electrolyte characterization. Optimization of electrochemical parameters would be performed with care for maintaining stability  at the level of the commercially available cells. Spectroscopic, physicochemical and thermal techniques will be used for components investigation as necessary. The main output is to produce cell prototypes employing easy to upscale methods.

Secondments would allow to prototype and test (full cell cycling, safety tests) proposed sets of components. Secondments will take place at least once around the half of the project and at the end of the project (3-4 months each) to apply and test preliminary sets of obtained electrolytes and electrodes under prototyping specialists advisory. Results from the first testing session will be used for another turn of components iterations and to propose improved components for second prototyping and testing session.