Materials

In commercial batteries, a carbon-containing material (e.g. synthetic graphite) and a lithium metal oxide are usually used for the two differently charged electrodes, while a conductive lithium salt - dissolved in a mixture of organic solvents - serves as the electrolyte.

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The Research Field

The aim of the materials research field is to identify new materials with potentially higher energy densities that are safe and can be produced at lower costs. In addition, these should enable rapid charging and discharging over many cycles. A new development or optimization of both the electrode and the electrolyte materials is necessary.

In order to achieve high energy and power densities, the members of the group research to minimize or completely eliminate undesired chemical reactions at the interface between electrode and electrolyte. The development of suitable syntheses is in the foreground for the new materials, since the process control has a strong influence on the technical properties of a material, e.g. the charging cycle stability.

Another focus in this research field is the development of completely new battery concepts (e.g. magnesium battery). These have the potential to achieve significantly higher storage capacities than all previously known concepts.

Research Groups at HIU

Dr. Margret Wohlfahrt-Mehrens Composites & Hybrid Materials The aim of the research group "Composites / Hybrid Materials" is the (further) development of innovative electrode materials for the next battery generation. View research group
Prof. Dr. Helmut Ehrenberg Nanoscale Hybrid Materials The research group "Nanoscale Hybrid Materials" is working on the development of nanoscale functional materials for lithium-ion batteries. View research group
Dr. Dominic Bresser Electrochemical Energy Storage Materials The group "Electrochemical Energy Storage Materials" researches a variety of materials and technologies for electrochemical energy storages. The group tries to create a fundamental understanding of the electrochemical reactions and mechanisms. View research group
Prof. Dr. Maximilian Fichtner Solid-State Chemistry The research group Solid State Chemistry is concerned with the newest battery systems to follow today's lithium-ion battery. It develops and studies new materials to be used in electrochemical energy storage units of the next generation and subsequently. View research group

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Editorials from this Research Field

News from the science of the Helmholtz Institute Ulm: Here, scientists provide insights into their research.
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First German factory for battery electrolyte - Dr. Beltrop (E-Lyte) & Dr. Hofmann (KIT)

September 18th, 2023 It is the best-protected material recipe for a #battery: the #electrolyte. Consisting of solvents, conductive salts and additives, it enables ion mobility between the positive and negative poles within a battery. Without ... Learn more

BEV trucks vs. Hydrogen trucks - Dr. Jürgen Wagner (MAN)

August 20th, 2023 Dr. Jürgen Wagner (Vice President MAN Truck & Bus SE) explains his company's electrification strategy. In fact, the Munich-based company is pursuing a three-pronged approach: The manufacturer of commercial vehicles and truc... Learn more

Prof. Fichtner & Dr. Bresser - Sodium-Ion Batteries

May 7th, 2023 Sodium-ion batteries have been overshadowed by lithium-ion batteries for decades, but there is a thousand times more sodium in the earth's crust than lithium. And now battery chemistry has evolved to the point where sodium-ion b... Learn more

Prof. Fichtner - CATL "Condensed Battery"

April 26th, 2023 Have the European battery producers completely lost touch? Chinese battery manufacturers are celebrating new product successes everywhere: The first sodium batteries (BYD, CATL, 2021) are being produced in Asia, high-performa... Learn more

Prof. Stein - Pulsed charging in battery formation process

April 23rd, 2023 Traditionally, fresh battery cells are carefully charged for up to 24 hours immediately after production. This "formation process" is cost-intensive, time-consuming and usually takes a long time. A group of battery researcher... Learn more