Alibatt

 

Development, characterization and qualification of a novel energy storage system based on an Al ion battery system with high energy density for mobile applications

Motivation

Lithium-ion technology, which is used in modern mobile electronic devices, is currently the most mature battery technology. Due to the still unsatisfactory energy densities for electromobility, the still existing safety risks and the limited lithium deposits, alternatives to this technology are discussed again and again with regard to future applications for electromobility in the mass market.

Due to its low mass and the ability to exchange three electrons per ion, aluminium is the metal with the highest volumetric capacitance density. As aluminium is the most abundant metallic element in the earth's crust and processing does not have to take place under protective gas, there are further enormous advantages in terms of cost and safety of an electrochemical energy storage system based on it. In contrast to lithium ion cells, Asian cell manufacturers have no market relevance in this field, so that early entry into this technology can further develop and consolidate decisive know-how in Germany. On this basis, decisive progress in the production of cost-effective and environmentally friendly energy storage systems is possible.

Research objectives

The overall objective of the joint project is the development, characterisation and qualification of an Al ion battery system with high energy density for mobile applications as an alternative concept to the established, but also the Li ion systems currently under development. The project objective will be implemented jointly by the partners in the project in the areas of synthesis and characterisation of a suitable cathode material, evaluation of Al alloys, development and testing of corresponding electrolyte systems and electrical and electrochemical analysis of the overall system in established microtest cells.

In its subproject, the PEM of RWTH Aachen University aims to develop a recycling path (production concept and module concept) for such innovative battery systems already at this early stage of material and system development and to create initial concepts for their implementation in the network.

Research and project partners

  • IoLiTec Ltd.
  • Fraunhofer THM
  • Fraunhofer IZM
  • DECHEMA Research Institute DFI
  • TU Clausthal – Institute of Electrochemistry IEC
 

Period

01/01/2018 through 06/30/2021

Funding code

03XP0128B

Project sponsor

Project Management Jülich (PtJ) | Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH

Funding agencies

Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)