Grant: Collaborative Research and Development Grants

The development of electrical energy storage systems with improved performance will play a critical role inmaintaining the current quality of life in developed countries as well as in the sustainable growth of developingcountries. In the transportation sector, for instance, new technologies must be developed because energyconsumption and production that rely on the combustion of fossil fuels already have a severe impact on worldeconomics and ecology. The development of electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles(PHEVs), which calls for more performing electric energy storage systems, would help to reduce theenvironmental impact of the transportation sector. Lithium-ion batteries are highly energetic storage devicesbut remain however very limited in terms of power, which hinders their integration in transportation vehicles.In this collaborative research project, we will study and develop lithium-ion battery electrodes that use novel,high performance binders to meet high power (1 kW/kg) and long-term cyclability requirements for applicationin EVs (>= 30000 cycles). The innovative and key aspect of the project lies in the use of elastomeric bindersthat were specifically designed by the industrial partner for the purpose of high power Lithium-ion batteries andthat will enable electrode fabrication by solvent-free processes. We will begin by optimizing the formulationwith regards to the mechanical stability and charging efficiency. The density of active material, porosity andthickness of the electrodes will be measured and their effect evaluated. Then, a thorough study of the agingprocesses of electrodes and cells obtained by solvent and solvent-free approaches will be undertaken usingelectronic (SEM, TEM) and in-situ scanning probe microscopies and electrochemical techniques. We will,during the last year of this project, fabricate a stacked system from extruded electrodes which will present 10sof Wh and study the stability and heat generation in such stacked system. The successful development of highpower batteries will stimulate the economy of clean ""cars"" related industries, helping to assure the quality ofour environment and contribute to the commitment of Canada to a cleaner environment.