A Roadmap for Transforming Research to Invent the Batteries of the Future Designed within the European Large Scale Research Initiative BATTERY 2030+

Abstract

This roadmap presents the transformational research ideas proposed by “BATTERY 2030+,” the European large‐scale research initiative for future battery chemistries. A “chemistry‐neutral” roadmap to advance battery research, particularly at low technology readiness levels, is outlined, with a time horizon of more than ten years. The roadmap is centered around six themes: 1) accelerated materials discovery platform, 2) battery interface genome, with the integration of smart functionalities such as 3) sensing and 4) self‐healing processes. Beyond chemistry related aspects also include crosscutting research regarding 5) manufacturability and 6) recyclability. This roadmap should be seen as an enabling complement to the global battery roadmaps which focus on expected ultrahigh battery performance, especially for the future of transport. Batteries are used in many applications and are considered to be one technology necessary to reach the climate goals. Currently the market is dominated by lithium‐ion batteries, which perform well, but despite new generations coming in the near future, they will soon approach their performance limits. Without major breakthroughs, battery performance and production requirements will not be sufficient to enable the building of a climate‐neutral society. Through this “chemistry neutral” approach a generic toolbox transforming the way batteries are developed, designed and manufactured, will be created.

Modeling the Solid Electrolyte Interphase: Machine Learning as a Game Changer?

“…The key to designing higher performance and safer lithium ion batteries (LIB) lies in establishing a clear understanding of how the solid electrolyte interphases (SEI) form and evolve over multiple time and length scales. [ 1 ] Although the SEI is most critical to the battery operation, we are far away from being able to model and predict its behavior. [ 2,3 ] At the initial charging process, some of the electrolyte and additive molecules decompose sacrificially to form the SEI interphases, which functions both as an electronic insulator and an ionic conductor, allowing fast Li + movement.…”

“…

time and length scales. [1] Although the SEI is most critical to the battery operation, we are far away from being able to model and predict its behavior. [2,3] At the initial charging process, some of the electrolyte and additive molecules decompose sacrificially to form the SEI interphases, which functions both as an electronic insulator and an ionic conductor, allowing fast Li + movement.

…”

Robotic cell assembly to accelerate battery research

“…Optimization of active materials, electrolyte formulations, processing, and manufacturing of secondary batteries along the entire battery research chain 1 is a capital-, material-, and time-intensive task 2 .…”

Understanding Battery Interfaces by Combined Characterization and Simulation Approaches: Challenges and Perspectives

“…Towards the goal of combining techniques to unleash the creativity of chemists and engineers in order to solve technologyrelevant interfacial phenomena, large-scale research initiatives such as BATTERY 2030+ are uniquely positioned. [217] Indeed, they offer an unprecedented opportunity to bring together battery specialists with physicists, data scientists, and engineers, with the common objective of fostering novel approaches fundamental to mastering battery interfaces. Evidently, no single research entity currently gathers all the required competencies at the highest level and, rather than competing in a sterile manner, large research consortiums allow for the consolidation of previously disparate knowledge, thus providing shared tools needed for researchers to thrive and express their creativity.…”