Batteries

We are developing innovative sensors using sensorized cell and odd random phase electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (ORP-EIS) technology. Coupled with other sensing functions, such as pressure, ultrasound, and strain, we can detect faults and negative influences on battery life and performance at an early stage and therefore increase the performance of the li-ion batteries both for automotive and stationary applications.

Battery models

• Optimizing electrochemical energy storage batteries by performing extensive characterization with long-term cycling of up to several months
• Using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to improve electrochemical phenomena diagnostics
• Focusing on electrical modeling at the intersection between equivalent circuit models and electrochemical models
• Assessing the second-life potential of used cells and modules by using fast measurement cycles to accurately determine the remaining capacity

Battery management systems (BMS)

• Improving SoX (state-of-charge, state-of-health, state-of-resistance) estimators by using models based on EIS characterization, where non-invasive EIS sensing is directly integrated into cell-level BMS. This cell management system (CMS) takes EIS measurements in real-time, updating the battery model continuously while capturing the ongoing degradation effects inside each cell.
• Studying EIS-based dendrite growth detection to trigger self-healing processes via the activation of liquid crystalline electrolytes or piezoelectric separators

Materials for high-capacity batteries

• Li-metal anode – developing thin, uniform, and highly pure layers of Li-metal to significantly enhance battery cycle life
• High-capacity electrodes – exploring battery configurations utilizing Si-anodes or anode-free designs, along with safe coating technologies, and in-situ ultra-thin film coatings directly applied to the Li-metal anode
• Polymer electrolytes for solid-state batteries – engineering material properties to create polymer electrolytes with a wide electrochemical stability window, ensuring leak-free and non-flammable characteristics
• Advanced manufacturing – investigating processes to meet the urgent demand for improved energy density and cost reduction, such as solvent-free dry techniques for electrode manufacturing, and polymerization technologies