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Behind the HELENA Project #6 | Dr. Urša Skerbiš (PIPISTREL)
We interviewed Dr. Urša Skerbiš, from PIPISTREL, to learn first-hand the key attributes to understand the strengths of the HELENA Project.
Behind the HELENA Project #7 | Thomas Marchandier (Saint-Gobain)
Europe´s commitment to achieving leadership and guiding the global Energy Transition is total. A clear example of this is its support for the many initiatives across the continent that seek to electrify some of the most polluting industries, such as transportation. Through this series of contents, we intend to know the perspective of the researchers involved in the HELENA Project regarding the virtues of the halide solid-state batteries developed.
31 May 2023
Worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction, Saint-Gobain designs, manufactures and distributes materials and services for the construction and industrial markets. Its integrated solutions for the renovation of public and private buildings, light construction and the decarbonization of construction and industry are developed through a continuous innovation process and provide sustainability and performance.
Which are the challenges that implies the upscaling of materials in the HELENA project ?
In an all-solid-state battery, the scaling up of the active materials, solid electrolyte (halides), but also the coatings to stabilize interfaces must be considered. To achieve this technological challenge, the HELENA project can rely on the expertise of UMICORE, to obtain the best positive active material on a large scale. Halide electrolyte production is made particularly demanding by the hygroscopicity of these materials, however, with over ten years of expertise in the field, Saint-Gobain is perfectly equipped to meet this challenge. Finally, the successful integration of lithium metal in the cell relies on the deposition of thin, uniform and stable protective layer on the negative electrodes based on original solution coming from LionVolt, TNO or RWTH. (116 w)
What advantages has proven the halide against other materials ?
The halides have a good ionic conductivity (higher than 1mS.cm-1), a relatively low synthesis temperature (lower than 600°C), and mechanical properties that facilitate their shaping. These performances are serious advantages compared to oxide electrolytes produced and shaped at very high temperature and having low ionic conductivity. Moreover, due to the electronegativity of halides (especially Cl, Br) these materials have a good oxidation stability (>4.3 V vs Li+/Li0) unlike sulfides which decompose around 3V. Finally, the decisive advantage of halides compared to sulfides is their safety. Indeed, although they are reactive to humidity, these compounds do not form toxic products when in contact with water. (104 w)
Within the HELENA project, Saint-Gobain takes charge in the development of halide battery technology by providing best in class halide electrolyte materials to the consortium, while optimizing and improving considerably the performance and manufacturability properties of the electrolytes and support the development of halide- based cell components.
