Cambridge EnerTech’s
Next-Generation Battery Research
Advances in Material, Chemical, and Electrochemical Engineering
March 26-27, 2019
Have lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) reached their technical limit? A revolutionary paradigm is required to design new stable electrode materials that provide electrochemical cells with high energy, high power, long lifetime and adequate safety at competitive
manufacturing costs. Thus, coordinated efforts in fundamental research and advanced engineering are needed to effectively combine new materials and electrode architectures that improve electrochemical storage and meet ever-increasing energy demands.
Final Agenda
Monday, March 25
7:00 am – 3:00 pm Tutorial and Training Seminar* Registration Open
7:00 – 8:00 am Morning Coffee
8:00 – 4:00 pm Pre-Conference Tutorials and
Training Seminar*
4:00 Close of Day
Tuesday, March 26
7:00 am Registration and Morning Coffee
8:05 Organizer’s Opening Remarks
Mary Ann Brown, Executive Director, Conferences, Cambridge EnerTech
8:10 Chairperson’s Remarks
Jigang Zhou, PhD, Staff Scientist, Innovation Division, Canadian Light Source, Inc.; Adjunct Professor, Materials Engineering Department, Western University
8:15 FEATURED PRESENTATION: Li-Ion Battery Aging: Lessons Learnt on the Way to the Future
M. Rosa Palacín, PhD, Professor, Solid State Chemistry, Institute of Materials
Science of Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC); Associate Editor, Chemistry of Materials
The talk reviews origins and methodology to study performance degradation upon Li-ion battery lifetime. Ageing is unavoidable and ultimately rooted in diverse interrelated chemical processes, the extent of which is mostly determined by battery material
components and operation conditions (charge/discharge rates, voltage operation limits and temperature).
8:45 Novel Advanced Diagnostics at BatteryX
Jigang Zhou, PhD, 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 in situ nanoscale chemical imaging of composite electrode to integrate the fine understanding of interphase structure with degradation
and safety.
9:15 The Evolving Lithium-Ion Battery Technology Landscape
K.M. Abraham, PhD, President,
E-KEM Sciences
The state of the art of Li-ion batteries will be presented. While conventional ones utilize liquid electrolytes, there is increasing effort to build all-solid-state Li-ion batteries to overcome safety hazards of present technology. Their prospects
will be discussed. As the energy density of present technologies approaches its upper bound, new lithium battery chemical couples are needed for next-generation ultra-high-energy density rechargeable batteries. Our efforts in this direction will
also be presented.
9:45 Networking Coffee Break
10:15 Chairperson’s Remarks
Dee Strand, PhD, CSO, Wildcat Discovery Technologies
10:20 Synthesis of Sulfur-Based Cathodes and Effects on Li-S Battery Performance
Perla B. Balbuena, PhD, Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University
The success of the Li-S battery is highly dependent on controlling important issues such as those derived from the solubility and migration of long-chain polysulfides. We address the importance of the sulfur-carbon chemistry and its effect on the
discharge and charge reactions. We demonstrate that certain cathode architectures can significantly reduce the generation of long-chain polysulfides, and we discuss possible chemistries that can accomplish this effect.
10:50 Synthetic Design of Surface Stabilized High-Ni Cathodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Feng Wang, PhD, Materials
Scientist, Sustainable Energy Technologies, Brookhaven National Laboratory
High-Ni layered oxides are among the most promising cathode candidates for next-generation lithium-ion batteries due to high theoretical capacity, which, however, has been difficult to realize due to surface instability related issues. Herein, we
report a structure tracking-aided approach that enables synthetic control of structure and stoichiometry, both in the bulk and locally within individual particles. Examples of applying the approach to developing surface-stabilized high-Ni layered
oxide cathodes will be given.
11:20 Anomalous Segregation in Lithium-Rich Layered Oxide Uncovers New Theoretical Design Rule for Stable Cathode in Lithium-Ion Battery and the Development of Artificially Intelligent TEM Characterization for Battery Diagnostic
Huolin Xin, PhD, Assistant
Professor, Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California, Irvine
Here we report the TEM, X-ray, and first-principle investigation of a promising high-capacity lithium-rich 3d-4d transition-metal layered compound. The incorporation of 4
d transition metals here offers an uncharted phase space for mechanistic exploration as compared to the well documented 3d transition metal (TM) oxides. The revealed mechanism
allows us to provide predictive guidance for the future design of lithium-rich as well as stoichiometric layered cathode materials.
11:50 New Coatings and Materials
that enable Performance and Safety for Next Generation Batteries and
Drivetrains
Calum Munro, Senior
Scientist, Science and Technology, PPG Industries
Electric vehicle growth is demanding unique solutions for lithium ion batteries, battery packs and electrified drivetrains. The electric vehicles of the near future will require lightweight environmentally friendly solutions for batteries,
battery pack sealing, thermal management and safety performance.
12:20 pm Grand Opening Networking Luncheon in the Exhibit Hall
PALM BALLROOM
1:25 Plenary Keynote Session: Organizer's Remarks
1:30 - 2:00 1000, 2000, 3000 .... N Cycles from Li-Ion Cells: How Large Can N Be?
Jeff Dahn, PhD, Professor of Physics and Atmospheric Science, NSERC/Tesla Canada Industrial Research Chair, Dalhousie University
Our laboratory has developed many methods to help rank the lifetime of cells in relatively short duration experiments (coulombic efficiency, isothermal microcalorimetry, etc.) so that cell developers and users can move rapidly to find next generation
chemistries. In this presentation I will describe another powerful method and give examples of how it has been useful in developing outstanding cells that last many thousands of charge-discharge cycles and last many years.
2:00 - 2:30 Battery System Engineering Challenges and Opportunities for the Cell, Pack and System
James Lim, PhD, Battery System Engineering Manager, Google
Designing and verifying a well-balanced battery for safety, reliability, performance, availability, and cost requires strong cross-functional team interactions during system integration and product launch. The opportunities are being able to provide
viable options, evaluate tradeoffs, and deliver battery solutions associated with next generation products.
3:15 Chairperson’s Remarks
Wu Xu, PhD, Chief Scientist, Energy and Environment Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
3:20 Accelerating Development of High-Nickel Cathodes
Dee Strand, PhD, CSO, Wildcat
Discovery Technologies
High-nickel cathodes can deliver improved energy density relative to today’s materials. However, these materials suffer from poor lifetime and durability. Variations in electrode composition can impact the performance of the material. This presentation
highlights parameters that can accelerate implementation of high-nickel cathodes in applications. The presentation focuses on approaches other than compositional changes to the NMC811 to improve cycle life in high-loading electrodes.
3:50 Nanoscale Material Design of Zinc Anodes for High-Energy Rechargeable Aqueous Batteries
Nian Liu, PhD, Assistant Professor,
School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology
Zn-based batteries are a safe alternative to Li-ion due to compatibility with aqueous electrolyte. However, the Zn anode in aqueous electrolyte is historically not deeply rechargeable. We have identified the root causes for the lack of rechargeability
to be passivation of ZnO discharge product, and dissolution of zincate intermediate, and addressed the rechargeability issue of aqueous Zn anodes via nanoscale material design.
4:20 FEATURED PRESENTATION: Advancing Lithium-Metal Batteries
Wu Xu, PhD, Chief Scientist, Energy and
Environment Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Advancement of rechargeable lithium-metal batteries requires protecting and stabilizing the lithium-metal anode as well as maintaining the stability of cathode materials. The electrolyte plays a key role in these functions by forming high-quality
lithium/electrolyte and cathode/electrolyte interface layers. Three major approaches, including electrolytes, protective membranes and three-dimensional lithium structures, will be discussed.
4:50 Welcome Reception in the Exhibit Hall with Poster Viewing
5:50 Interactive Breakout Discussion Groups
The breakouts are informal, moderated discussions with brainstorming and interactive problem solving, allowing participants from diverse backgrounds to exchange ideas and experiences and develop future collaborations around a focused topic. Each topic
is led by a moderator who ensures focused conversation around the key issues of that topic. Attendees choose to join a specific group. View list of topics here.
6:50 Close of Day
Wednesday, March 27
7:15 am Registration and Morning Coffee
8:25 Chairperson’s Remarks
Marshall A. Schroeder, PhD, Materials Science Engineer, Electrochemistry Branch, US Army Research Laboratory
8:30 FEATURED PRESENTATION: 6V Solid-State Li-Ion Electrolytes Derived from Li-Stuffed Garnets
Venkataraman Thangadurai, PhD, Professor, Chemistry, University of Calgary
Solid-state (ceramic) Li-ion electrolytes exhibiting high ionic conductivity and electrochemical stability window, and chemical stability with metallic Li offer development of advanced safe and high-energy density Li batteries.
9:00 FEATURED PRESENTATION: Rational Design of an All-Solid-State Li-Ion Battery
Puru Jena, PhD, Distinguished
Professor, Physics, Virginia Commonwealth University
Development of the next-generation Li-ion batteries would require advanced materials for electrolytes, anodes, and cathodes. This talk deals with a rational design approach for the development of all-solid-state Li-ion batteries that includes halogen-free
electrolytes as well as those based on anti-perovskites, a new 3D Dirac nodal-line semi-metallic graphene monolith for anodes, and a high-pressure phase of Rutile-like CoO2 for cathodes.
9:30 Manufacturing Technology of All-Solid-State Thin-Film Li Secondary Battery for IoT/AI Applications
Akiyoshi Suzuki, Engineer, ISET, ULVAC, Inc.
All-Solid-State Thin-Film Lithium Secondary Batteries (Li-TFB) are key to enabling technologies for standalone sensor devices which are essential for IoT/AI applications. A detailed explanation will be given on the vacuum technologies such as sputtering
and evaporation for the manufacturing of Li-TFB, in which we have successfully established reliable hardware and process technologies as mass-production technology for manufacturing Li-TFB.
10:00 Coffee Break in the Exhibit Hall with Poster Viewing
10:45 Deploying Machine Learning to Accelerate Materials Design in Electrolytes and Beyond
Austin Sendek,
PhD, Founder and CEO, AIONICS
Machine learning offers an exciting new route for accelerated materials design and discovery. We train predictive models on materials performance data to enable rapid screening of thousands of candidate materials, often discovering promising new materials
several times more efficiently than trial-and-error searches. In this talk, I focus on our work in screening solid electrolytes, which has identified dozens of new compositions for solid-state batteries.
11:15 Carbonate-Free, Sulfone-Based Electrolytes for High-Voltage Lithium Batteries
Marshall
A. Schroeder, PhD, Materials Science Engineer, Electrochemistry Branch, US Army Research Laboratory
The effects of solvation, concentration, and salt anion chemistry on the performance and properties of sulfone-based electrolytes were explored in detail with experimental measurements, testing with aggressive cell chemistries, quantum chemistry calculations,
and molecular dynamics simulations. These results suggest sulfone-based electrolytes offer a promising alternative to the state-of-the-art carbonate systems, and warrant further exploration for enabling safer, high-performance lithium batteries.
11:45 Liquefied Gas Electrolytes for High-Energy and Safe Lithium Batteries
Cyrus Rustomji, PhD, CTO, South 8 Technologies, Inc.
The use of novel Liquefied Gas Electrolytes has demonstrated excellent stability with traditional 4-V cathodes, high coulombic efficiency of >99% on dendrite-free Li metal anodes, excellent temperature window, and demonstrated safety features
inherent to the electrolyte chemistry. Compatibility with both traditional manufacturing and materials will allow this technology to be rapidly deployed into EVs, grid storage, and aerospace energy storage applications.
12:15
pm Networking Plated Luncheon
1:15 Dessert Break in the Exhibit Hall with Poster Viewing
PALM BALLROOM
1:45 Plenary Keynote Session: Organizer's Remarks
1:50 Shep Wolsky Battery Innovator Award
2:00 PANEL DISCUSSION: What Innovations/Advancements Do OEMs Need to Enable Near-Term, Large-Scale Production?
Moderator:
Celina Mikolajczak, Director of Engineering, Energy Storage Systems, Uber
Panelists:
Mohamed Alamgir, PhD, Research Director, LG Chem
Timothy Arthur, PhD, Principal Scientist, Materials Research Department, Toyota Research Institute of North America
Micheal Austin, Vice President, BYD US Operations (BYD America-IT, BYD Motors, BYD Energy)
Craig Rigby, Vice President Technology, Power Solutions, Johnson Controls
Bob Taenaka, Technical Specialist, Battery System Development, Ford Motor Company
What do OEMs need for near term, large-scale innovation? Can the global battery R&D community deliver on what advancements OEMs need for large-scale production? Our distinguished panel will discuss what they need to innovate and what they
anticipate their future requirements will be. In addition, our panelists will discuss what innovation can be achieved to meet the OEMs requirements.
2:55 Refreshment Break in the Exhibit Hall with Poster Viewing
3:40 Close of Conference