High capacity all-solid-state silicon-lithium-sulfide cells for energy storage applications

Rechargeable energy storage systems attract worldwide scientific and industrial interest due to their widespread applications.

From the perspective of single customer, these batteries have been found useful in various portable devices and even in electric vehicles (EVs).

Being practical in many circumstances, they have even more distinct role in reducing global warming and the emission of greenhouse gases.

Together with the limited sources of fossil fuels, these aspects have driven the efforts to utilize more green sources of energy like wind and solar power, aiming at sustainable energy production.

One critical factor on the way to zero-carbon footprint is to change the transportation to function solely with green electricity.

The current EV industry depends heavily on lithium-ion batteries which face technological challenges like limited storage capacity and safety concerns related to the use of liquid electrolytes. Further, these batteries utilize materials that are far from being sustainable and environment friendly.

To address these issues, the proposed SiLiS project will focus to develop new battery technology employing high-capacity silicon anode, lithium sulfide-based cathode, and stable and safe polymer based solid electrolyte.

The project will support the development of cost-effective batteries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation by means of electric vehicles.

The proposed all-solid-state silicon-sulfur cells (SSCs) is expected to have the gravimetric energy density of 750 Wh/kg, power density of 1500 W/kg and volumetric energy density of 1300 Wh/L.

The novel high energy density battery will be of low cost, with a prolonged cycle life which is better than the current Li-ion battery.

Thus, SiLiS will develop next generation rechargeable batteries by employing novel material synthesis routes and cell design that enable EVs to have long driving range with minimum safety concerns at a lower cost.