Success Stories - Research Advances
Research discoveries from across the Faraday Institution’s research programme into lithium-ion and beyond lithium-ion technologies, and batteries for emerging economies.
ReLiB project won a Horizon Prize 2024 from Royal Society of Chemistry
The Faraday Institution ReLiB Project won the Environment, Sustainability and Energy 2024 Horizon Prize: John Jeyes Prize, celebrates groundbreaking research and innovation, recognising ReLiB’s transformative work in lithium-ion battery recycling.
Optimising Charge Times and Increasing Battery Life using Embedded Sensors
A collaboration between Coventry University and Breathe Battery Technologies, enabled by a Faraday Institution Industry Fellowship, has significantly advanced the use of new battery sensing array technology. It is being adopted by industry for validating and improving battery management systems to improve the performance of commercial battery systems.
Spectro Inlets instrument adapted as part of PhD research project to develop longer-lasting batteries
As part of Daisy Thornton's PhD project Spectro Inlets and Imperial College London have adapted a commercial instrument that allows sensitive analysis of trace gases evolved from Li-ion batteries - to aid understanding of battery degradation.
CatContiCryst: Developing continuous manufacturing processes
In a Faraday Battery Challenge Round 5 project aligned with the Faraday Institution FutureCat project, NiTech and CPI explored an innovative production method that can be used to produce single-crystal cathode battery materials. This approach has the potential to deliver increased range and battery life, reduced charge times, and lower capital cost to produce materials.
The Power of Collaboration: the Fortescue WAE / Faraday Institution Relationship
The ongoing and multi-faceted collaboration between the Faraday Institution community and Fortescue WAE, the Oxfordshire-based technology and engineering services company, has yielded substantial benefits for both organisations.
Accurate prediction of battery remaining useful life
Eatron Technologies and WMG, University of Warwick collaborated on an Industry Sprint that developed an innovative new approach to accurately estimating an EV battery’s remaining useful life (RUL). It accelerated the development of a working demonstrator/prototype of the RUL prediction system, integrating it into Eatron’s battery management system.
Lithium metal protection layer for Lithium-Sulfur batteries
LiSTAR project scientists at University of Oxford are making progress in extending the cycle life of lithium-sulfur batteries. Researchers have demonstrated a scalable approach to protect the anode in a lithium-sulfur cell, a crucial step to extending the lifetime.
Lowering the cost of sodium-ion batteries by avoiding use of nickel
NEXGENNA project researchers have patented a cost-effective, nickel-free, and cobalt-free cathode material for sodium-ion batteries, offering best-in-class performance with a 10% energy density improvement. The team aims to integrate this material into commercial battery formats in collaboration with an industry partner, utilizing the university's advanced scale-up facility.
Advance in understanding of how solid-state batteries fail
SOLBAT scientists utilised X-ray computed tomography to study lithium dendrites, the build-up of metal leading to solid-state battery failure, discovering initiation and propagation are distinct processes. This insight is helping to devise strategies targeting either dendrite initiation or propagation for more effective dendrite prevention in practical devices.
Accessing high, reversible capacities for cobalt-free cathode materials
FutureCat researchers have employed advanced computational methods to develop a framework that is now feeding in to the experimental team to inform and guide synthetic efforts to prepare novel, sustainable cathode materials with optimised properties.
Further advances in lithium-rich materials for high-energy-density batteries
CATMAT researchers advance high-energy-density cathodes, unravelling molecular oxygen formation at high states of charge. Crucial for reversible high-voltage cycling, this research opens avenues for advancing the range of electric vehicles.
Exploring the impact of coating factors on lithium-ion battery quality
By combining experimental data, domain knowledge, and AI, the Nextrode team explores how factors like slurry density, viscosity, and coating speed impact lithium-ion electrode characteristics, advancing transparency and establishing a digital twin model for battery production.
Monitoring the temperature of batteries as they charge and discharge
UCL and ESRF scientists have addressed the challenge of accurately determining battery internal temperature during use utilizing synchrotron X-ray diffraction. Their clever approach, published in Nature, informs battery management for even safer batteries.
Green method for binder recovery from lithium-ion battery electrodes
ReLiB scientists at the University of Birmingham developed an eco-friendly process, using a green solvent, to remove PVDF binder from electrodes in a novel and convenient way. The technique enables binder separation, recycling, and reuse, showing promising electrochemical properties in coin cell tests.
Addressing commercial challenges with researcher-led battery models
The year 2023 saw the launch of Ionworks Technologies, an open-core software start-up built around PyBaMM (born out of the Multi-scale Modelling project), with the mission of building software solutions that can tackle the most difficult challenges in the battery space.
Singlet oxygen release from Ni-rich cathodes
The Degradation project researchers recently found Ni-O redox processes involved a much larger participation of the oxygen ions than previously thought. Their understanding of bulk/surface reaction mechanisms provides insights into how to mitigate degradation pathways through oxygen release and maximise the performance and lifetime of future batteries.
Ball milling provides high pressure benefits to battery materials
Cheaper, more efficient lithium-ion batteries could be produced by harnessing previously overlooked high pressures generated during the ball milling process.
NEBA - Harnessing the North East's Battery R&D Capabilities for the UK and Beyond
The North East of England – a trailblazer of the first industrial revolution — has now positioned itself as an important hub for the UK’s green industrial revolution. Within the region, a thriving battery ecosystem is taking shape, propelled by the efforts of the North East Battery Alliance (NEBA).
New Study Finds Ways to Suppress Lithium Plating in Automotive Batteries for Faster Charging EVs
A new study led by Dr. Xuekun Lu from Queen Mary University of London in collaboration with an international team of researchers from the UK and USA found a way to prevent lithium plating in electric vehicle batteries, which could lead to faster charging times. Paper published in Nature Communications.
Use of Novel Cathode Material Could Make Lithium-sulfur Batteries Lighter
As part of the LiSTAR project, a new cathode material that enhances the performance of the lithium-sulfur batteries has been developed by researchers at the University of Cambridge’s Department of Materials Science & Metallurgy.
Extending Lifetime of Lithium-ion Batteries via Improved Derating Strategies
An Industry Fellowship between Imperial and WAE investigated derating approaches, completing a critical review of derating methods and creating a go-to resource for those seeking to use the technique.
New Study Could Help Unlock ‘Game-changing’ Batteries for Electric Vehicles
Significantly improved electric vehicle (EV) batteries could be a step closer thanks to a new study led by University of Oxford researchers, published in Nature. Using advanced imaging techniques, this revealed mechanisms which cause lithium metal solid-state batteries (Li-SSBs) to fail.
Scientists Map the Temperature in Lithium-ion Batteries as they are Charged and Discharged
Paper published in Nature as part of the SafeBatt and Degradation projects. Novel thermal management techniques to inform computational modelling and accelerate the design iteration process
Going With the Flow Could Help Energy Access in Emerging Economies
Edinburgh-based battery innovator StorTera has been working with researchers from the University of Strathclyde to improve the efficiency of an innovative graphite polysulfide single liquid flow battery
Creating a Pathway to Long-Life, High-Power Batteries
A University of Birmingham / Echion Technologies Industry Fellowship is facilitating the commercialisation of a mixed niobium-oxide anode active materials that could cut charging times to 5 minutes
AI Pushes the Envelope on Pack Performance
A Faraday Institution Industry Fellowship between Cranfield University and Delta Cosworth has proved a concept that could reduce manufacturing costs and improve safety in high performance vehicles.
Controlling Morphology as a Route to High-performance Cathodes
A Faraday Institution Industry Fellowship has helped deliver new insights into controlling particle morphology in high-nickel cathode materials, paving the way for more efficient, high-performance, cathodes to be developed.
Towards Accurate Modelling of Micro-mechanical Degradation
The Degradation project is building towards a comprehensive model of lithium transport and diffusion behaviour and of mechanical properties such as shear yield and fracture, as a step towards extending battery lifetime.
Laying the Foundations for Battery Management System Improvements
The value of modelling to predict battery failure as a route to improving battery safety and performance.
Phase Selective Recovery & Regeneration of Cathode Material
ReLiB scientists at the University of Birmingham have developed and patented a phase selective leaching technology to recycle, upcycle and regenerate cathode materials.
Scientists Quantify Thermal Runaway Propagation
A team at UCL has discovered an effective way to quantify thermal runaway within batteries, which can happen due to electric short-circuits, overheating or through impact or penetration.
The Impact of Calendering on Microstructural Evolution
Towards understanding the impact of calendering on the underlying microstructural evolution of electrodes during processing to understand what dictates the electrical conductivity and structural integrity of a lithium-ion battery and how these can be improved.
Exploring Oxygen Redox in Layered Ni-rich Cathode Materials
FutureCat researchers are applying advanced characterisation techniques, available at Diamond Light Source, to unravel the role of oxygen redox in high nickel layered oxide cathodes with the aim of the capacity of next generation lithium-ion batteries.
Advances in Lithium-rich Materials for Higher Energy Density Batteries
CATMAT researchers have made further advances in understanding critical properties and limitations of lithium-rich layered oxide and disordered rock-salt cathodes, developing novel solutions towards higher energy densities.
Smart Processing of High Energy Density Cathodes
Scientists at the University of Oxford have used smart processing protocols to produce a composite cathode with outstanding performance.
Opening of Pouch Cell Prototyping Facility
Opening in late 2022, the University of St Andrews has created a versatile battery scale-up facility to complement and support academia and business with pouch cell production facilities.
Coventry University Brings New Prototyping Facility to Project
The LiSTAR project has welcomed Coventry University into the consortium to increase its cell fabrication capability. This allows researchers across LiSTAR to test their developments in a pouch cell format, increasing confidence in the commercial potential of research demonstrated in coin cells.
Research Breakthrough Increases Safety of Lithium-ion Batteries
With billions of lithium-ion batteries in circulation, safety is of paramount importance. While catastrophic Li-ion battery fires remain extremely rare, the vital work of the SafeBatt team is ensuring that first responders know how to tackle incidents correctly and, potentially, save lives.
New Approach to Predicting Battery Failure Could Help Maintain Electricity for Millions
A unique approach to calculating battery failure, affiliated to the Faraday Institution’s Multiscale Modelling project, has been shown to make predictions that are 15-20% more accurate than current approaches used on the same dataset. The paper, from researchers at the University of Oxford has been published in Joule.
Accelerating Nyobolt’s Drive to Supercharge the Electric Revolution
Lithium-ion battery cells with unparalleled fast charging capabilities are being scaled up through a Coventry University - Nyobolt Ltd collaboration.
Researchers Virtually 'Unwind' Lithium Battery
An international team led by researchers at UCL has revealed new insights into the workings of a lithium battery by virtually “unrolling” its coil of electrode layers.
Informing Practical Strategies Towards Higher Energy Density Batteries
A step forward in a mechanistic understanding of oxygen-redox processes in lithium-rich battery cathodes.
Digital Analysis of Cells for Higher Quality Cell Manufacture and Battery Longevity
A digital analysis tool that screens for manufacturing defects with the potential to guide changes to commercial cell manufacturing processes and longer term, be used as a quality assurance/quality control tool in a gigafactory.
Ultra-fast Software Models to Accelerate Battery Design Development
DandeLiion offers battery designers a fast, versatile and powerful modelling tool to accelerate battery pack design and deliver improvements to commercial battery performance, lifetime and safety.
Improving Battery Safety for Aerospace Applications
Partnering with an aerospace company towards a better understanding of potential battery safety issues, to advance modelling capabilities and a faster, cheaper, more efficient battery pack development process.
Redesigning Battery Systems to Manage Heat and Performance
A Faraday Institution team is revolutionising battery pack and cell design to better control cooling at the cell, module and pack level so that battery-makers can usher in considerable improvements in range, life and safety.
Sensing Chemical Changes in Working Batteries to Improve Life
A novel method that uses fibre optics and cutting-edge sensor techniques to measure chemical changes inside operating lithium-ion batteries in real time could aid researchers in academia and industry to develop next generation batteries with a longer life.
Critical Understanding of How and Why Solid-State Batteries Fail
Faraday Institution researchers have made a significant step in understanding how and why solid-state batteries (SSB) fail by dendrite growth and short circuit with cycling. Overcoming this failure mechanism could potentially usher in a new era of SSB-powered electric vehicles.
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Success Stories
From research discoveries to commercial spin-outs, policy guidance to career development and engagement, this selection of case studies from the Faraday Institution and its research community demonstrates the impacts we are making on UK science, the economy and future generations of researchers.