Development of Fast-Charging Lithium-ion Batteries for the Electrification of Transportation via Canadian-Sourced Minerals

Project overview

This research project focuses on revolutionizing lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) for electric vehicles (EVs) to combat Canada's rising CO2 emissions from the transportation sector. With a rapid charge time of five minutes or less and a target cost of USD $80/kWh, the project addresses current barriers to EV marketability.

By using locally sourced materials and collaborating with Quebec and Canadian industries, the initiative aims to make EVs more accessible, particularly for lower-income individuals, while advancing Canada's greenhouse reduction targets.

This research project spans the entire battery development process, from materials design to battery pack assembly. The innovative approach not only promises economic growth and battery materials independence but also contributes to clean energy technology innovation and reduction in greenhouse gas emission. Through this initiative, the project strives to create a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future for Canada, aligning with the urgent need to address climate change and its impact on citizens.

Key project details

Principal investigator	Karim Zaghib, professor, Chemical and Materials Engineering and CEO of Volt-Age, Concordia University
Co-principal investigators	Xia Li, assistant professor, Chemical and Materials Engineering, Concordia University; Sixu Deng, assistant professor, Chemical and Materials Engineering, Concordia University
Research collaborators	Sarah Sajedi, Environmental Management Solutions
Non-academic partners	Lightening Energy, AI Mogul, Nouveau Monde Graphite
Research Keywords	Lithium-ion batteries, ultrafast charge, high energy densities, long cycle life, electrification, electric vehicles, sustainability
Budget	Cash: $400,000 In-kind: $400,000

Research focus

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Silicon and natural graphite based anodes

This research objective aims to address capacity and stability issues caused by significant volume expansion during lithiation in many Lithium-ion Batteries (LIBs). The focus is on developing Silicon (Si) and Nano-Graphite (NG) anodes for high-performance LIBs. The project involves studying different ratios of Si and NG particles to explore a range of compositions.

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Ni-rich layered and olivine polyanion cathodes

One focal point of this study is to optimize both Ni-rich layered cathodes (NMC) and olivine polyanion cathodes, such as lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP), by combining their advantages and addressing their disadvantages. To improve the conductivity of LMFP, a carbon-coated technology with sucrose properties will be developed using a water-resistant method, eliminating the need for expensive and toxic solvents like N Methyl Pyrrolidone (NMP) in electrode fabrication.

Electrolytes

This project also focuses on developing a stable interfacial layer to protect electrodes and prevent unwanted side reactions in Lithium-ion Batteries (LIBs). This part of the research aims to create stable and highly conductive liquid electrolytes by exploring combinations of various material. The investigation involves assessing the conductivity and viscosity of these electrolytes to comprehend their properties and performance in enhancing LIBs stability.

Battery performance

Another aspect of the research is about investigating the optimal assembly and construction of LIBs through coin cell testing, evaluating anodes, cathodes and electrolytes. This approach aids in understanding battery capacity, cycle life, efficiency and fast-charge capability under various conditions, contributing to the optimization of battery material design. Using battery materials sourced from local mines in the performance evaluation supports greener mining practices and potentially reduces the regional carbon footprint of the mining industry.

Characterization

To support the research objectives, advanced characterization techniques will be employed to investigate the mechanisms of the developed LIBs. X-ray spectroscopy and diffractions microscopies and other characterizations will be deployed to investigate the materials morphology, crystalline structure, chemical states, local environments, mechanical properties and thermal stability.