A fabrication, testing, and imaging laboratory for all solid state batteries

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******Decarbonizing the transport sector is critical for mitigating anthropogenic climate change since transportation accounts for 23% of global energy-related carbon dioxide emissions. By electrifying the transport sector, we will eliminate significant local and global carbon dioxide emissions via the use of renewable energy, such as wind and solar. While current lithium ion battery (LIB) technologies are already used in commercial passenger cars and light vehicles, the widespread use of battery power in heavy transport and aviation sectors demands a substantial increase in battery energy density. Current LIB technologies with liquid electrolytes are also problematic due to the safety issues of battery swelling and explosion due to undesired dendrite and gas formation. ******All solid-state batteries (ASSBs) use solid electrolytes, which are highly attractive for both inhibiting dendrite growth and associated explosive events. Furthermore, ASSBs with lithium metal anodes exhibit almost triple the theoretical capacity of conventional LIBs. To date, research in ASSB is in its infancy, with most research focused at the development of solid electrolytes in isolation and electrode configurations to maximize energy density and reaction efficiency. The dominating transport mechanisms, particularly in the area of electrochemical interfaces in ASSBs must be accounted for in designing the porous materials optimized for energy density. We propose to develop a system for investigating the battery dynamics associated with electrochemical interfaces in-situ via x-ray tomography for next generation batteries. ******We are requesting the funds to support a fabrication and testing system for examining morphology changes in next generation batteries. Specifically, the funds will be used for a solid state battery manufacturing and testing system, which will be coupled with Prof. Bazylak's X-ray tomography scanner to establish a fabrication, testing, and imaging laboratory for ASSBs. This laboratory will include a glovebox for material preparation, electrode assembly, and cell assembly, and a battery testing system that will be combined with Prof. Bazylak's computed tomography scanner for concurrent 3D imaging and electrochemical performance characterization. This laboratory will provide Prof. Bazylak and her trainees with an internationally unique system for high throughput, concurrent in operando testing and imaging of ASSBs to determine the effects of material morphology (e.g. particles size, shape) and degradation modes (e.g. particle detachment, non-conductive layers). The research proposed here will lead to new material designs and manufacturing processes for next generation ASSBs that will be disseminated to the wider research community. The outcomes of this research will strengthen Canada's leadership in solid state battery development and industrial collaborations with internationally leading automotive makers, such as Nissan and Audi. **