Have lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) reached their technical limit? Shortcomings including high costs, inadequate energy densities, long recharge times, short cycle-life times and safety must be continually addressed. Thus, considerable basic research is being directed toward battery improvements to meet ever-increasing energy demands.

A revolutionary paradigm is required to design new stable anode and cathode materials that provide electrochemical cells with high energy, high power, long lifetime and adequate safety at competitive manufacturing costs. Coordinated efforts in fundamental research and advanced engineering are needed to effectively combine new materials, electrode architectures and manufacturing technologies.

The Next-Generation Battery Research: Advances in Material, Chemical, and Electrochemical Engineering conference spans the continuum from basic materials research, electrochemical engineering, and diagnostics to advance battery performance.

Final Agenda

Monday, March 20

7:00 am – 4:00 pm Tutorial* Registration Open

7:00 – 8:00 am Morning Coffee

8:00 – 4:00 Pre-Conference Tutorials*

12:30 – 1:30 pm Luncheon Presentation (Sponsorship Opportunity Available) or Enjoy Lunch on Your Own

1:30 – 2:00 Networking Refreshment Break

* Separate registration required for Tutorials.

Tuesday, March 21

7:30 am Registration and Morning Coffee

Increasing Energy Density with Alternative Chemistries

8:30 Organizer’s Opening Remarks

Mary Ann Brown, Executive Director, Conferences, Cambridge EnerTech

8:35 Chairperson’s Remarks

Brian J. Ingram, Ph.D., Materials Engineer, Chemical Science and Engineering Division, Joint Center for Energy Storage Research, Argonne National Laboratory

8:40 Reversible Magnesium Chemistry in Nitrile and Carbonate Electrolytes

Chunmei Ban, Ph.D., Senior Scientist, Center of Chemistry & Nanoscience, National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)

The divalent feature of Mg anode brings high gravimetric and volumetric capacity, and the non-dendritic formation overcomes the major safety and performance challenges associated with Li anode. But the unique electrochemistry of Mg prohibits its reversible deposition in aprotic solvents (except ethers). We discuss a new strategy to modify the surface of Mg for facilitating the reversible deposition of Mg metal without interacting with the electrolyte. This enables the usage of the noncorrosive electrolytes for Mg-metal batteries.

9:10 Multivalent Ion as the Next Energy Storage Frontier

Brian J. Ingram, Ph.D., Materials Engineer, Chemical Science and Engineering Division, Joint Center for Energy Storage Research, Argonne National Laboratory

Non-aqueous multivalent (MV) intercalation batteries offer energy density limitations, cost, and safety improvements relative to state-of-the-art Li-ion battery technology. As an emerging field, there are specific scientific questions that must be answered before MV batteries are commercially available. A marriage of theoretical and experimental approaches helps to expedite this process within the Joint Center for Energy Storage Research (JCESR).

9:40 FEATURED PRESENTATION: Breakthrough Energy Storage Programs at ARPA-E

Susan Babinec, Senior Commercialization Advisor, ARPA-E, U.S. Department of Energy

ARPA-E forwards the goals of the Department of Energy by supporting the development and commercialization of high-risk/high-reward technologies that are often not otherwise funded. This talk presents our approach and the result of the first six years of efforts in energy storage.

10:10 Networking Coffee Break

Increasing Energy Density with Materials

10:45 Magnetically Aligned Graphite Electrodes for High-Rate Performance Li-Ion Batteries

Juliette Billaud, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Fellow, Energy Storage, Paul Scherrer Institut

Fast lithium-ion diffusion and thus fast rate capability in actual battery anode is impinged by the high tortuosity of the graphite and electrolyte phase. We used a magnetic alignment technology to control the orientation of graphite flakes in a battery anode to reduce its tortuosity. Decreasing the tortuosity allowed us to increase by three times the specific charge at C-rate in thick electrodes.

11:15 In-Depth Investigation of Process-Structure-Property Relationship in the Cathode Materials

Qi Liu, Ph.D., Research Scientist, X-Ray Division, Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Laboratory

We center on the study of V2O5 as cathode materials for Li-ion batteries. We develop a method to incorporate graphene sheets into vanadium pentoxide nanoribbons via the sol-gel process. The resulting graphene-modified nanostructured vanadium pentoxide hybrids contain only 2 wt. % graphene, yet exhibit extraordinary electrochemical performance. Finally, the in-depth investigation of process-structure-property relationship in these hybrids-based Li-ion batteries has been studied using advanced in situ synchrotron techniques and existing tools.

11:45 Nanocomposites as Next-Generation Anode Materials for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Lorenzo Mangolini, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering Department, Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of California, Riverside

Silicon-based anodes for lithium-ion batteries have attracted increasing attention because of their high energy density. Still, there are many unresolved issues that have prevented the penetration of this material in commercial batteries. We have found that the addition of tin to the silicon-based anode structure provides great improvements in charge-discharge stability. We attribute this to the high electrical conductivity of tin, and to the capability of dispersing tin nanoparticles very uniformly in the anode structure.

12:15 pm Manufacturing Technology of All-Solid-State Thin-Film Li Battery for IoT Applications

Koukou Suu, Ph.D., ULVAC Fellow, General Manager, Global Marketing and Technology Strategy, ULVAC, Inc.

Solid-State Thin-Film Li secondary batteries have come to be recognized as one of the key enabling technologies for standalone MEMS/Sensor devices which are essential for Internet of things (IoT) solution. A detailed explanation will be given on the sputtering process required for the manufacturing of these batteries. ULVAC has developed reliable hardware and processes for the mass production for solid-state Li batteries.

12:30 Session Break

12:40 Networking Luncheon (All Are Welcome)

1:40 Networking Refreshment Break

Advances with Li-Ions

2:10 Chairperson’s Remarks

Wenjuan Liu Mattis, Ph.D., Vice President, Research & Development, Microvast, Inc

2:15 Advanced Next-Generation Lithium Battery and Beyond

Wenjuan Liu Mattis, Ph.D., Vice President, Research & Development, Microvast, Inc.

Conventional Li-ion batteries have made progress for HEV applications. However, durability with the PHEV duty cycle and the technology’s ultimate cost and safety remain challenges. To achieve a very high all-electric drive range, a new battery system with advanced high-capacity cathode materials and stabilized high-capacity anode is needed. We disclose strategies to significantly increase the energy density of lithium batteries through developing high-energy cathode material coupled with high-voltage electrolyte.

2:45 Highlights on the Latest Battery Technology Achievements & Challenges

Sébastien Patoux, Ph.D., Battery Division Manager, CEA – LITEN Institute

We cover Li-ion and post-Li-ion battery technologies for automotive, consumer electronic and stationary applications. We discuss how to push the limits of Li-ion batteries and beyond to have more energy or power, and higher safety. In particular, we present our latest results on Li/sulfur systems, silicon anodes, solid electrolyte and hybrid supercapacitors with a view of the whole value chain, from materials to system.

3:15 Advances in the Performance of Lac Knife Natural Flake and Expanded Graphite in Electrochemical Power Sources

Joseph E. Doninger, Ph.D., Director, Manufacturing and Technology, Focus Graphite Inc.

Gary Economo, President and CEO, Focus Graphite Inc.

This presentation introduces the development of a super fine, d50 = 10 to15 um, grade of carbon coated spherical flake graphite and shows that the excellent long term cycling performance achieved with the Lac Knife graphite has been extended to 550 cycles. Additional conductivity enhancement data is also presented on the performance of Lac Knife flake and expanded graphite in battery matrices.

3:30 Advanced Silicon-Based Lib Anode Obtained by Means of Plasma Arc Accelerator in PVD Process

Vyacheslav Chetveryk, Team Member, Research & Development, Gresem Innovation LLC

Environmental-friendly “one-stop” active layer formation process utilizing commonly used gases and micro-size powders resulting in 2.00g/cm3 ready-made LIB anode able to reversibly store up-to 1500 mAh/g. Low porosity reduces electrolyte amount and the production method eliminates binder, solvent and drying processes. Technology is easily integrated (drop-in) into on-market PVD equipment.

3:45 Grand Opening Refreshment Break in the Exhibit Hall with Poster Viewing

4:30 Advances in Lithium Metal Anode-Based Rechargeable Batteries Utilizing Solid-State Electrolytes

Asmae Mokrini, Ph.D., Senior Research Officer, Automotive and Surface Transportation, National Research Council of Canada

The presentation covers recent developments at the National Research Council on battery technologies based on lithium metal anodes, namely lithium-air and lithium metal polymer battery technologies. Scientific and technological challenges will be highlighted and solutions developed will be presented, including dendrite-prohibiting polymer-based electrolyte development, 3D cathode/solid electrolyte interface engineering, and multi-electrode stack design.

5:00 Investigation of High-Capacity Ni-Based Layered Oxide Cathodes for Li-Ion Batteries

Wei Tong, Ph.D., Scientist/Principal Investigator, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

We are interested in developing layered oxide cathodes utilizing Ni²⁺/Ni⁴⁺ redox couple as it provides two-electron exchange per transition metal. Our research has been initially directed towards synthesis of high-capacity Ni-based layered oxide cathodes for Li-ion batteries. I present the initial results on synthesis and evaluation of the representative Ni-based layered oxides as well as fundamental studies on understanding their degradation mechanism.

5:30 Transition to Breakout Discussions

5:35 Interactive Breakout Discussion Groups

Participants choose a specific breakout discussion group to join. Each group has a moderator to ensure focused discussions around key issues within the topic. This format allows participants to meet potential collaborators, share examples from their work, vet ideas with peers, and be part of a group problem-solving endeavor. The discussions provide an informal exchange of ideas and are not meant to be a corporate or specific product discussion. Please click here for full details

TABLE 1: Battery History from Bangkok to Lithium-Ion

Shep Wolsky, Ph.D., Founder, International Battery Seminar & Exhibit

TABLE 2: Understanding the Impact of Electrolyte on Battery Performance

Sam Jaffe, Managing Director, Cairn ERA, Cairn Energy Research Advisors

TABLE 3: Improving Li-Ion Energy Density and Cell Safety & Stability

Carl Thoemmes, Vice President, Sales, Silatronix, Inc.

TABLE 4: Cell Manufacturing

Raf Goossens, Ph.D., CEO, Global Corporate Management, PEC

TABLE 5: The Patent Landscape across the Battery Industry: Patent Acquisition, Enforcement, and Licensing Strategies

Howard L. Lim, Associate, Intellectual Property, Vinson & Elkins LLP

TABLE 6: Voluntary or Mandatory or Someplace in Between…What Do I Really Have to Do to Ship My Small Li-Ion Battery Globally?

Cynthia Millsaps, President and CEO, Energy Assurance LLC

TABLE 7: Lithium Battery Transportation Regulations; What Are Hurdles, Research and Development Areas?

Steve Hwang, Ph.D., Chemist, Pipeline & Hazardous Materials Safety, US Department of Transportation

TABLE 8: Lithium Battery Transportation; What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You, How to Stay Ahead of the Curve and Be Successful

Thomas (TJ) Leech, III, CHMM, FedEx Express

TABLE 9: Promoting a Strong U.S. Manufacturing Base for Energy Storage in the U.S.

Susan Babinec, Senior Commercialization Advisor, ARPA-E, U.S. Department of Energy

TABLE 10: Thermal Runaway Propagation Prevention and Mitigation Through Passive Vaporizing Heat Sink

Michael Mo, Co-Founder & CEO, KULR Technology

TABLE 11: Silicon Anodes and Cells

Frederic Bonhomme, Ph.D., Senior Director, Research & Engineering, Enevate

6:35 Welcome Reception in the Exhibit Hall with Poster Viewing (Sponsorship Opportunity Available)

7:30 Close of Day

Wednesday, March 22

8:00 am Registration and Morning Coffee

Enhancing Performance through Testing and Diagnostics

8:20 Chairperson’s Remarks

Daniel P. Abraham, Ph.D., Materials Scientist, Chemical Sciences and Engineering Division, Argonne National Laboratory

8:25 Novel Advanced Diagnostics at BatteryX

Jigang Zhou, Ph.D., Staff Scientist, Innovation Division, Canadian Light Source, Inc.; Adjunct Professor, Materials Engineering Department, Western University

BatteryX uses non-destructive characterizations to monitor complex structural and chemical changes that occur in the battery. This leads to deeper practical understanding of batteries’ synthesis, surface engineering, device design, and failure mechanisms. We review the platform and newest research at BatteryX such as nanoscale chemical and electronic imaging of real electrode to integrate the fine understanding of interphase structure with charge transportation at interphase.

8:55 Battery Performance Examination through Collective Battery Parameter Test Analysis

Dong Woon Kim, MSc, Engineer, McScience Inc.

Battery performance can be measured by various parameter test experiments. As a cell ages, the test results show changes in the cell parameters. Therefore, a collection of battery parameter data can be used as a reference to measure the battery performance of a given cell. A methodology of establishing such a data collection is suggested, featuring an automatic test measurement device, a metadata format and collective data analysis.

9:25 Coffee Break in the Exhibit Hall with Poster Viewing

10:10 Lithium- and Sodium-Ion Battery Metrology at the Relevant Length Scales Using Advanced Three-Dimensional Transmission Electron Microscopy

Huolin Xin, Ph.D., Associate Scientist, Center for Functional Nanomaterials, Brookhaven National Laboratory

Tracking materials’ motion and change from micrometer to the atomic length scales in all three dimensions (3D) lies at the heart of understanding the degradation mechanism(s) of lithium- and sodium-ion battery electrodes. In this talk, I highlight the latest development of 3D imaging in the TEM and its applications in elucidating the mechanism of capacity fading in battery electrodes, including layer-layer compounds and lithium-rich materials.

10:40 FEATURED PRESENTATION: Revealing Aging Mechanisms in Lithium-Ion Cells

Daniel P. Abraham, Ph.D., Materials Scientist, Chemical Sciences and Engineering Division, Argonne National Laboratory

Research on lithium-ion batteries for vehicular applications is being conducted at Argonne as part of the U.S. DOE’s Advanced Battery Research (ABR) program. This presentation is an overview of various diagnostic studies conducted to determine aging mechanisms. Data from various experimental studies will be linked together to identify various phenomena responsible for cell performance loss. Identifying these phenomena sources is the first step towards designing long-life lithium-ion cells.

11:10 Luncheon Presentation (Sponsorship Opportunity Available) or Enjoy Lunch on Your Own

Plenary Keynote Program

12:40 pm Opening Remarks

12:45 Battery Innovator Award

12:55 Gigafactory Material Sourcing and Cell Production

Kurt Kelty, Senior Director, Cell Supply Chain & Business Development, Tesla Motors

This presentation will examine the status on material sourcing and sustainable material sourcing for the Gigafactory. In addition, the production of cells for energy products manufactured at the Gigafactory including the Powerwall and Powerpack will be discussed.

1:25 Surprising Chemistry in Li-Ion Cells

Jeff Dahn, Ph.D., FRSC, Professor of Physics and Atmospheric Science, NSERC/Tesla Canada Industrial Research Chair, and Canada Research Chair, Dalhousie University

It is important to increase the operating voltage of NMC Li-ion cells to obtain higher energy density. However, the electrolyte reacts with the positive electrode at high voltage. Using simple experiments involving only pouch bags, we show that the products of these reactions are extremely harmful to the positive electrode. This talk demonstrates how these harmful reactions at the positive electrode can be virtually stopped, leading to superb NMC Li-ion cells that can operate at high potential.

1:55 Advances within the BYD EDV Program and Its Technology

Xi Shen, Ph.D., Senior Director and General Manager, BYD EDV Batteries, China

WenFeng Jiang, Ph.D., R&D General Manager, BYD EDV Batteries, China

The high demand EDV for transportation worldwide has created significant market opportunities for BYD. Since the earlier F3DM and E6, BYD has broadly expanded its EDV business and technology to various fields including public transportation (e6 and E-bus), private transportation (Qin, Tang, etc.) and special transportation (forklift, city logistics vehicle, city cleaning vehicle, etc.) This talk shares the progress of the EDV program.

2:25 Charging Forward: Explosive Global Growth in the Battery Industry – Opportunities and Challenges Ahead

Christina Lampe-Onnerud, Ph.D., CEO, Founder, Chairman, Cadenza Innovation, LLC; Founder, Boston Power

This talk will highlight insights on the emerging global ecosystem that is rapidly developing complex systems and opening doors to innovators who are teaming up with established battery and non–battery players. The presentation will inspire the audience to stay true to data and yet push the design envelope for high performance, low cost, safe energy storage solutions.

2:55 Refreshment Break in the Exhibit Hall with Poster Viewing

3:40 End of Conference