3D Li-Ion Batteries Through Advanced Manufacturing

The growing demand for secure storage systems to improve energy and power systems has prompted innovative research into the advancement of material systems and devices. While lithium-ion batteries currently dominate as the primary power source for portable electronics, they face limitations in meeting the requirements for sustainable energy applications like electric vehicles and renewable energy storage. Solid-state batteries offer a potential solution by addressing the drawbacks of traditional lithium-ion cells. Unlike liquid electrolytes, solid electrolytes demonstrate high thermal stability, reducing the risk of fire or explosion at high temperatures. Additionally, solid-state batteries achieve higher energy density per unit area due to their compact size, with potential energy density up to ten times greater than that of similarly sized lithium-ion batteries. This study focuses on utilizing Garnet type Lithium Lanthanum Zirconium Oxide (LLZO) as the solid electrolyte material due to its high ionic conductivity and stability. The objective of the project is to develop an advanced manufacturing process for a solid LLZO electrolyte and compare the performance of different printed geometries in battery cells.