Batteries Research: Investment & Innovation

Major investments in batteries research Batteries have become an essential part of daily life – from household appliances to cell phones and other gadgets. As our scientific understanding of battery chemistry has improved, so too has the quality of the batteries that the industry is able to produce. As illustrated by the rise of electric vehicles (EVs), the evolution of new batteries with improved energy storage capabilities and other metrics can give rise to new technologies and even entire sectors that have the potential to revolutionize modern life. In this infographic, we explore the foundational principles of battery science, the current state of investment in battery research projects and the key innovations that look set to propel the sector to new highs over the coming years. tment & Innovation  Investment & Innovation  Investment & Innovation  Investment & Innovation  Invest & Innovation  Investment & Innovation  Investment & Innovation • Investment & Innovation  Investment &Batteries, explained There are many different types of battery currently in development, but the most popular type of rechargable battery that we use today is the lithium–ion battery. The classical lithium–ion battery consists of a single or multiple lithium–ion cells connected in series. The key components of a lithium–ion cell are: The bridge between a battery or a cell and the external circuit, ordinarily an aluminum copper foil. The Department of Energy has pledged $42 million to fund 12 research projects developing improved battery materials and new battery chemistries for use in EVs. In 2022, the UK announced an additional £211 million of government funds to be distributed to battery research projects via the Faraday Battery Challenge, bringing the total amount of government investment in battery research to £541 million. This is the negative electrode of the cell, which stores and releases lithium ions during charging and discharge. Graphitebased anodes are used in the majority of commercial batteries, due to its low cost, low toxicity and high abundance. A permeable membrane placed between the electrodes to prevent short circuits while allowing the flow of lithium ions through the cell. This is the positive electrode of the cell and the source of the battery’s lithium ions. Cathode materials are usually some form of metal oxide that can act as a sink for the lithium ions. An electrically conductive layer, often an inorganic lithium salt in organic solution, that allows the ions to pass between the anode and cathode. Current collectors United States United Kingdom Electrolyte Anode Separator Lithium ions Cathode The European Commission has approved a pan-European project by seven member states – Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Poland and Sweden – to provide €3.2 billion in funding to support research and innovation in battery science. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced a combined ₩7 trillion funding package for the battery industry, including ₩50 billion in research grants for manufacturers of lithium, phosphate and lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has established a Green Innovation Fund, which includes a budget of up to ¥151 billion for a project investigating highperformance battery materials and battery recycling technologies. European Union South Korea Japan Innovation in battery research While there is much still to explore in battery science, there are a number of recurring themes that appear regularly when examining the investments and grants being made in battery research. Lithium–ion batteries are the most common commercial battery type today, but there are a whole range of other possible battery chemistries out there that show good potential. Investment in this area is targeted at breaking down the barriers to commercialization for alternatives to lithium–ion batteries, such as ensuring good operation at low temperatures and the creation of suitable electrolytes. Among materials scientists, one very active area of research is the development of new and improved battery materials for lithium–ion batteries. The capacity and performance of a battery can be greatly affected by the quality and chemistry of its constituent parts. Novel anode materials, including alloys, silicon-based compounds, carbon-based compounds and transition metals are all under investigation. Due to the increasing costs and unsustainable mining practices associated with some elements used in traditional cathode materials, there is also significant investment being made to support the development of novel cathode materials that reduce the need for such elements. According to a new report authored by the International Energy Agency, approximately 14% of all new cars sold in 2022 were electric. This is up from 9% in 2021 and less than 5% in 2020. With the EV sector expected to continue this strong growth trend through the coming years, there is a significant focus on investment in battery manufacturing in order for the sector to continue to meet consumer demand. Equally, there is strong investment in battery research projects that specifically target the development of improved batteries for use in EVs. Alternative battery chemistries Improved battery materials The future of electric vehicles Project K (California, USA) Awarded $2.6 million to develop and commercialize a potassium–ion battery. Project award comes via the US Department of Energy’s Electric Vehicles for American Low-Carbon Living (EVs4ALL) program. NEXGENNA (United Kingdom) Project received £15.9 million in project funding to develop the next generation of sodium–ion batteries. The funding comes via the Faraday Institution. The University of Maryland (Maryland, USA) Awarded $4.8 million to increase the charge/discharge-rate capability, energy density and operating temperature window of solid-state lithium metal batteries. Awarded via the EVs4ALL program. FutureCat (United Kingdom) Project received £14.4 million in project funding to develop high nickel content, high performance cathode materials for lithium–ion batteries. The funding comes via the Faraday Institution. Next-Generation Storage Battery and Motor Development (Japan) Project given a budget of up to ¥151 billion to deliver improved storage batteries. This includes the development of new materials technology that will reduce the use of high-dependency materials such as cobalt and graphite. An unnamed Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) (European Union) Will receive approximately €3.2 billion from seven EU member states. The project plan includes the enhancement of existing battery materials and the development of new ones as one of its four key areas of focus. SOLBAT (United Kingdom) Project awarded £21.8 million in funding to demonstrate the feasibility of a solid-state battery with superior performance to lithium–ion in EV applications. Project funding comes via the Faraday Institution. 24M Technologies (Massachusetts, USA) Awarded $3.2 million to develop low-cost and fastcharging sodium metal batteries with good lowtemperature performance for EVs. Awarded via the EVs4ALL program. Solid Power Operating (Colorado, USA) Awarded $5.6 million to develop a 3D-structured lithium metal anode and novel sulfur composite cathode to enable highenergy and fast-charging EV battery cells. Awarded via the EVs4ALL program.