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With the signing of the Paris Agreement in late 2016, nearly 200 countries have promised to decarbonize the global economy by the second half of the century. To meet the agreed-upon standards for 2050 major economies must cut their carbon emissions by 80% or more. Creating high-energy density batteries at low cost will be an integral part in reaching these environmental goals.

The Lithium Battery Materials & Chemistries 2017 conference will provide in-depth coverage on the chemistries, both current and next-generation, that are shaping the future of energy storage. From novel electrode/electrolyte materials to higher-capacity cathode/anode structures, this conference will explore how to economically increase battery energy density.

Final Agenda

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 31

7:30 am Registration and Morning Coffee

8:25 Organizer’s Welcome

Victoria Mosolgo, Associate Conference Producer, Cambridge EnerTech

CREATING HIGH-VOLTAGE CATHODES

8:30 Chairperson’s Opening Remarks

Marca Doeff, Ph.D., Scientist, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

8:35 Challenges with High-Capacity Layered Metal Oxide Cathode Materials

Hakim Iddir, Ph.D., Physicist, Materials Division, Argonne National Laboratory

New cathode materials with improved energy densities, longer cycle-life, and improved safety characteristics are needed for portable electronic devices, smart grid systems, and transportation technologies. The highest energy density cathode materials are based on transition-metal oxides, such as layered LiMO2 (M = Co, Ni, Mn). I present two examples of current interest to the Li-ion battery research community.

9:05 Synthesis Process Research on Advanced Cathode Materials

Youngho Shin, Principal Process Development Engineer, Energy Systems, Argonne National Laboratory

Systematic process and synthesis research of high-energy LMR-NMC, layered-layered-spinel, nickel-rich NMC, and gradient composite materials are being carried out. Particle size, distribution, porosity, morphology, and quality controls of target materials are major concerns. Various synthesis processes and routes including an emerging manufacturing method will be presented.

9:35 Charge Compensation Mechanisms in Nickel-Rich Layered Cathode Materials

Marca Doeff, Ph.D., Scientist, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

With ever-higher Ni in NMC cathode materials, the need grows to understand the electrochemical processes that occur during charge and discharge. Through a combination of synchrotron techniques, microscopy, and electrochemical characterization we understand the behavior of these materials and improve their robustness. Oxygen redox activity exhibits depth-dependent characteristics. The high reactivity of surface oxygen has important implications for the functioning of these materials in electrochemical cells, which will be covered in the talk.

10:05 Coffee Break

10:35 Revealing Mechanism Responsible for Structural Reversibility of Single-Crystal VO2 Nanorods upon Lithiation/Delithiation

Qi Liu, Scientist, Argonne National Laboratory

Among the commonly used cathode materials, VO2(B) have been very promising materials. A pure phase of VO2(B) nanorods has been synthesized through an energy-efficient microwave hydrothermal reaction and used as cathode materials, which exhibit promising specific capacity and rate capacity. The excellent cyclability originates from the structural reversibility of VO2(B) upon lithiation/delithiation that is confirmed by the in situ high-energy synchrotron X-ray diffraction (HEXRD) and in situ X-ray adsorption near-edge spectroscopy (XANES) of the VO2 nanorods in operating battery cells.

11:05 Thermochemical Investigations of LiNixMnxCo1-2xO2 (0≤x≤0.5) Phases (NMC)

Carlos Ziebert, Ph.D., Senior Scientist, Head of the KIT Battery Calorimeter Center, IAM-AWP, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology

Phases from the LiNixMnxCo1-2xO2 series (0≤x≤0.5) including NMC111 and NMC442 are considered as important layered cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries. The enthalpies of formation from oxides and oxygen and from elements of samples in this series with e.g. x = 0, 1/6, 1/3, 0.4, and 0.5, respectively, were determined using high temperature oxide melt drop solution calorimetry. We show that the investigated NMC phases are energetically more stable than LiCoO2. This is in agreement with better electrochemical cycling performance of Ni/Mn-rich compounds at higher voltages.

11:35 Manufacturing Technology of All-Solid-State Thin-Film Lithium Secondary Battery for IoT Applications

Koukou Suu, Ph.D., ULVAC Fellow, General Manager, Global Marketing and Technology Strategy, ULVAC, Inc.

Solid-State Thin-Film Li secondary batteries have come to be recognized as one of the key enabling technologies for standalone MEMS/Sensor devices which are essential for Internet of Things (IoT) solution. A detailed explanation will be given on the sputtering process required for the manufacturing of these batteries. ULVAC has developed reliable hardware and processes for the mass production for solid-state Li batteries.

11:50 Exploring Anionic Oxygen Activity in High Capacity Ni-based Layered Oxide Cathodes

Wei Tong, Ph.D., Scientist/Principal Investigator, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

We are interested in studying the layered oxide cathodes utilizing Ni2+/Ni4+ redox couple as it provides two-electron exchange per transition metal. Our recent work has been directed towards probing the anionic oxygen activity in high capacity Ni-based layered oxide cathodes for Li-ion batteries. I will present our recent studies on the oxygen behavior in various Ni-based layered oxide cathodes.

12:05 Anomalous Segregation in Lithium-Rich Layered Oxide Uncovers New Theoretical Design Rule for Stable Cathode in Lithium-Ion Battery

Huolin Xin, Ph.D., Associate Scientist, Center for Functional Nanomaterials, Brookhaven National Laboratory

There is increasing interest in utilizing lithium-excess cathode materials as new generation energy storage material instead of traditional layered materials such as LCO and NMC because of their ultra-high charge capacity. However, lithium-rich materials still suffer problems such as low coulombic efficiency for the first cycle, voltage and capacity fading with extended cycling. Here we report the investigation of a promising high-capacity lithium-rich 3d-4d transition-metal layered compound. The incorporation of 4d transition metals here offers an uncharted phase space for mechanistic exploration as compared to the well documented 3d transition metal (TM) oxides. Utilizing state-of-the-art tools, we found that that a three-dimensional porous structure is formed in this material and the 3d and 4d transition metals can segregate at the sub-micron scale after extended cycling. More surprisingly, at the nanoscale, we found that the 4d metal is expelled from the surface. In conjunction with ab initio molecular dynamics and thermodynamics calculations, this study for the first time reveals the intricate connection between the instability of the surface and the degradation of the layered cathode materials. More importantly, the revealed mechanism allows us to provide predictive guidance for future design of lithium-rich as well as stoichiometric layered cathode materials.

12:35 Session Break

12:45 Luncheon Presentation (Sponsorship Opportunity Available) or Enjoy Lunch on Your Own

1:15 Session Break

HIGH-CAPACITY ANODES

2:00 Chairperson’s Remarks

Tanghong Yi, Ph.D., Scientist, Wildcat Discovery Technologies Inc.

2:05 North American Supply of Premier Graphite Anode Materials

Jeremy Schrooten, Senior Engineer, Research & Development, Pyrotek

Pyrotek has processed graphite anode materials for lithium-ion batteries since the early 1990s. Our proprietary, low-emission furnace technology utilizes clean, renewable hydroelectric power as a North American source for graphitization and purification of graphite anode materials. This presentation will provide an overview of our technological and environmental advantages that show state-of-the-art performance is attainable at a competitive price point.

2:35 Si-Based Li-Ion Capacitors for High Energy and High Power Application

James Wu, Ph.D., Research Scientist & Engineer, NASA Glenn Research Center

3:05 Improving the Energy Density of Batteries with Silicon-Based Anodes

Tanghong Yi, Ph.D., Scientist, Wildcat Discovery Technologies Inc.

Today’s lithium-ion batteries require energy density improvements without sacrificing cycle life or other performance metrics. While silicon based anodes can provide increased energy density, a trade-off exists between the amount of increase vs. cycle life. The large volumetric changes that occur on lithiation/delithiation of silicon lead to mechanical breakdown of the active material, the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer on the active material, and the electrode structure itself. This presentation will focus on approaches to overcome failure mechanisms with silicon – allowing for longer cycle life with improved energy density.

3:35 Refreshment Break

3:50 Surface Modification for the Stabilization of High-Capacity Silicon Anodes

Chunmei Ban, Ph.D., Senior Scientist, Center of Chemistry & Nanoscience, National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Surface modification has been utilized to stabilize the surface chemistry for high-capacity but unstable silicon Li-ion anodes. This talk sheds light on the stabilization mechanism for silicon anodes by utilizing extensive physical and chemical characterization and provides the insights to stabilize the interface for highly reversible lithiation-delithiation reactions.

4:20 PANEL DISCUSSION WITH SESSION SPEAKERS: Creating High-Capacity Anodes

Moderator: Tanghong Yi, Ph.D., Scientist, Wildcat Discovery Technologies Inc.

5:00 Close of Day and Dinner Workshop Registration

5:30-8:30 Dinner Workshop*

W2: Battery Safety Training Tutorial

Instructor: Shmuel De-Leon, CEO, Shmuel De-Leon Energy, Ltd.

*Separate registration required.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1

8:00 am Battery Breakfast Breakout Discussion Groups

Grab coffee and breakfast and join a discussion group. These are moderated discussions with brainstorming and interactive problem solving, allowing conference participants from diverse backgrounds to exchange ideas and experiences and develop future collaborations around a focused topic.

NEXT-GENERATION CHEMISTRIES

9:00 Chairperson’s Remarks

Sue Babinec, Senior Commercialization Advisor, ARPA-E Advanced Research Projects Agency

9:05 FEATURED PRESENTATION: Blending Technical and Commercial Realities into Solid-State Battery Research

Sue Babinec, Senior Commercialization Advisor, ARPA-E Advanced Research Projects Agency

It is unclear that Li-ion can meet the DOE/commercial cost and performance targets required for widespread adoption and so options continue to need consideration. Lithium metal solid state cells remain a key candidate as they can potentially provide ~50% higher energy density with fundamental safety, which makes packs safer and simpler. Lithium metal rechargeable batteries with LiPON separator have high cycle life but their manufacturing isn’t relevant for broad applications. ARPA-E is funding research on alternative materials prepared by established scalable processes; they include crystalline and amorphous inorganics, and polymers manufactured with glass forming, blowing/extrusion, rolling/calendaring, tape casting, and vapor deposition. We will present a rational approach, including economic estimates, to achieving these aspirational goals.

9:35 Next-Generation, All Solid-State Battery

Gholamabbas Nazri, Ph.D., Professor, Physics and Electrical & Computer Engineering, Wayne State University

The next generation of high-energy density battery for full electric vehicle will be based on all solid-state system. We have developed a new high energy–high power conformal solid state battery with high voltage, low impedance, high cycle life and enhanced safety.

10:05 Lithium-Sulfur Batteries: The Next Frontier in Energy Storage

Nikhil A. Koratkar, Ph.D., John A. Clark and Edward T. Crossan Endowed Chair Professor, Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Nuclear Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries offer a theoretical energy density of 2600 Wh/kg and therefore offer great potential as a next-generation energy storage device. In this talk, I will show that the Li dendrite problem can be addressed by storing Li metal within nano-porous graphene networks. Such advances show potential in enabling the successful deployment of Li-S batteries with breakthrough improvements in performance as compared to the incumbent Li-ion technology.

10:35 Grand Opening Coffee Break in the Exhibit Hall with Poster Viewing

11:05Talk Title to be Announced

Shmuel De-Leon, CEO, Shmuel De-Leon Energy, Ltd.

11:35 Improved Cell Design through Simulation-Based Approach

Tapesh Joshi, Ph.D., Research Associate, Zero Emission Research, Nissan Technical Center North America

Li-ion cells used in advanced electric vehicles must meet performance targets that are highly interdependent on each other. Optimization of design parameters in lithium-ion batteries is paramount to enhancing energy density, power capability, safety, and cycle life. Simulation-based approach enables improved understanding of different design considerations for cells for advanced electric vehicles. Understanding of limitations as well as interactions between parameters can enable optimal cell designs to meet EV performance targets.

12:05 pm PANEL DISCUSSION WITH SESSION SPEAKERS: Next-Generation Chemistries

Moderator: Sue Babinec, Senior Commercialization Advisor, ARPA-E Advanced Research Projects Agency

12:35 Session Break

12:45 Luncheon Presentation (Sponsorship Opportunity Available) or Enjoy Lunch on Your Own

1:15 Session Break

NEW TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION & COMMERCIALIZATION

2:30 Chairperson’s Remarks

2:35 The Rechargeable Battery Market and Main Trends 2016 – 2025

Michael Sanders, Senior Advisor, Avicenne Energy US

This talk presents the 10-year automotive market forecasts from Avicenne and other analysts (micro/hybrid/P-HEV/EV). Other coverage includes car makers’ strategies and advanced energy storage (advanced leadacid/ supercap/NiMH/LIB). Additionally, LIB design for P-HEV and EV markets (cylindrical, prismatic, pouch/wounded, stacked, Z fold cells) and LIB cell, module and pack cost structure 2016-2025 will be discussed.

3:05 Fast Charging Li-Ion Battery Market (New Sensitized Materials)

Shmuel De-Leon, CEO, Shmuel De-Leon Energy, Ltd.

3:35 Talk Title to be Announced

Grant M. Ehrlich, Ph.D. Partner Cantor Colburn LLP

4:05 Refreshment Break in the Exhibit Hall with Poster Viewing

4:20 Part 1: Battery Patent Thickets: A Replay of the Smartphone IP Wars or a Shift in Paradigm?

Daniel Abraham, Ph.D., Vice President, Science and Business Strategy, MPEG LA

Patent thickets, or complex webs of overlapping patent rights that require innovators to reach licensing agreements with multiple patent holders, are beginning to emerge across the battery technology landscape. During the global smartphone wars, technology companies became entangled in expensive and complex patent licensing and litigation activities as billions of dollars changed hands. If left unresolved, patent thickets lead to business risk and slower commercialization timelines. Electrified transportation and grid storage are significantly larger than the smartphone market, thus identifying pathways to reduce intellectual property friction is essential to this burgeoning market.

5:00 Part 2: Battery Patent Thickets: A Replay of the Smartphone IP Wars or a Shift in Paradigm?

Matthew Rappaport, President, Intellectual Property Analytics, IP Checkups, Inc.

Patent thickets, or complex webs of overlapping patent rights that require innovators to reach licensing agreements with multiple patent holders, are beginning to emerge across the battery technology landscape. During the global smartphone wars, technology companies became entangled in expensive and complex patent licensing and litigation activities as billions of dollars changed hands. If left unresolved, patent thickets lead to business risk and slower commercialization timelines. Electrified transportation and grid storage are significantly larger than the smartphone market, thus identifying pathways to reduce intellectual property friction is essential to this burgeoning market.

5:00 Registration for Battery Safety Conference

5:30 Welcome Reception in the Exhibit Hall with Poster Viewing

6:30 Close of Lithium Battery Materials & Chemistries Conference