Development of SEI and CEI Stabilizing Additives for Enhanced Performance in Lithium Metal Batteries

BASQUEVOLT aims to become the European leader in the next generation of solid-state lithium batteries. Our technology will make possible the mass deployment of electric transportation, stationary energy storage and advanced portable devices.

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1. Background and Motivation

The demand for high-energy-density energy storage systems is rapidly increasing due to the global shift toward electric vehicles and renewable energy integration. Lithium metal batteries (LMBs), owing to their high theoretical capacity (3,860 mAh/g) and low redox potential (−3.04 V vs. SHE), are among the most promising candidates for next-generation batteries. However, their practical application remains limited due to challenges related to the instability of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on the lithium anode and the cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI) on high-voltage cathodes.

The interphases formed in LMBs are often fragile and unstable, leading to dendrite formation, poor Coulombic efficiency, and rapid capacity fading. One promising approach to address these challenges is the use of electrolyte additives that promote the formation of robust and stable SEI and CEI layers.

2. Objectives

The main objective of this internship is to contribute to the development and optimization of novel electrolyte additives that stabilize SEI and CEI layers in lithium metal batteries. Specific goals include:

- Screening and selection of candidate additives based on literature and computational insights.

- Electrochemical evaluation of additive performance in half-cell and full-cell configurations.

- Characterization of SEI and CEI layers using advanced analytical techniques (e.g., XPS, SEM, TEM).

- Assessment of cycling stability, rate performance, and safety characteristics.

3. Proposed Activities

1. Literature Review & Additive Selection

- Survey state-of-the-art electrolytes for Li-metal batteries with particular focus on SEI/CEI stabilizing additives.

- Select a shortlist of promising candidates for testing.

2. Electrolyte Preparation and Cell Assembly

- Formulate electrolytes with various additive concentrations.

- Assemble coin cells and/or pouch cells using Li metal anodes and cathode materials (NMC and/or LFP).

3. Electrochemical Testing

- Conduct galvanostatic cycling, CV, EIS, and LSV to evaluate performance.

- Analyze the effects of additives on overpotential, cycling stability, and Coulombic efficiency.

4. Post-Mortem Analysis

- Disassemble cells and perform surface analysis (XPS, SEM, FTIR).

- Investigate morphological and compositional characteristics of SEI and CEI layers.

5. Data Interpretation & Reporting

- Compile results into comprehensive datasets.

- Present findings in periodic meetings and produce a final technical report.

4. Expected Outcomes

- Identification of one or more effective SEI/CEI stabilizing additives.

- Deeper understanding of additive mechanisms and interfacial chemistry.

- Enhanced performance metrics in lithium metal battery prototypes.

5. Skills and Knowledge Gained

- Hands-on experience in advanced battery fabrication and testing.

- Familiarity with electrochemical analysis techniques.

- Proficiency in material characterization tools and data interpretation.

- Understanding of interfacial chemistry in energy storage systems.

- Enhance scientific communication skills through the preparation of detailed technical reports and presentation of research findings.

6. Conclusion

This internship will provide a valuable opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to practical challenges in battery development in the industrial environment. By focusing on SEI and CEI stabilization, the project aligns with the cutting-edge goals of the R&D group and has the potential to contribute meaningfully to the development of safer and longer-lasting lithium metal batteries.

1.Required academic Background

• Bachelor's (advanced standing) or Master's student in one of the following disciplines:
  • Chemistry
  • Materials Science/Engineering
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Electrochemistry
  • Energy Engineering or related fields

2.Required solid foundation in

• Electrochemistry
• Solid-state chemistry or inorganic chemistry
• Materials characterization techniques
• Thermodynamics and kinetics of materials

3.Required soft skills

• Analytical Thinking: Ability to interpret experimental data and connect results with battery performance mechanisms
• Problem-Solving: Creative thinking in designing experiments or troubleshooting electrochemical issues.
• Technical Writing: Ability to document experiments and prepare structured technical reports (or willingness to learn).
• Teamwork: Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams in an R&D setting.
• Attention to Detail: Essential for working with delicate materials and precision instrumentation.