Glatt Powder Synthesis in the joint project “ARTEMYS I Battery 2020”

Scalable, cost-effective manufacturing technologies for composite cathodes and electrolyte separators in solid-state batteries

Li-ion batteries with solid-state ion conductors and lithium metal anodes offer higher specific energy and are safer because the electrolytes are not flammable. Therefore, they are seen as a promising storage technology for future electric vehicles. Research activities in this area have increased significantly in recent years. The technical functionality of solid-state batteries can be demonstrated on a university laboratory scale. To date, however, there is a lack of process technologies for mass production.

The technical challenges of systems with sulfide ionic conductors (e.g., moisture sensitivity) and oxide ionic conductors (e.g., co-sinterability) are of a very different nature. The question of which of the competing approaches can achieve scalable manufacturing and be considered for electromobility remains unanswered.

The aim of the “ARTEMYS” project was to develop suitable process technologies for the manufacture of all-ceramic solid-state batteries, in particular the composite cathode and the solid electrolyte separator made of lithium lanthanum zirconium oxide (LLZO). These process technologies were evaluated with regard to their scalability and sample cells were built on laboratory scale. This provided both a performance-based and a cost-based decision-making basis for subsequent industrialization.