UMERC Director Keynote Speaker at Battery Safety Conference in November

On November 3-4, 2016, the Knowledge Foundation, a part of the Cambridge Innovation Institute, will host the 7th Annual Battery Safety Conference in Bethesda, Maryland.

Lithium-ion batteries contain more energy per unit of weight than conventional batteries, which, while contributing to their success, also triggers safety concerns. These same properties that result in high-energy density also pose potential hazards if the energy is released at a fast, uncontrolled rate. Therefore, safety is of great interest to the industry, resulting in areas of intense research. The 6th Annual Battery Safety conference addresses innovations and technologies that improve safety, reliability and degradation management of lithium-ion batteries as well as their safe transport.

Dr. Eric Wachsman, Professor & Director, University of Maryland Energy Research Center; William L. Crentz Centennial Chair, Energy Research, will deliver the Keynote Presentation, “Solid-State Batteries, the Ultimate Solution to Battery Safety”.

Presentation Abstract: We have developed intrinsically safe, all-solid-state Li-ion batteries (SSLiBs) by incorporating high-conductivity garnet-type solid Li-ion electrolytes into tailored tri-layer microstructures, by low-cost fabrication techniques, to form electrode-supported dense thin-film (~10μm) solid-state electrolytes. The microstructurally tailored porous garnet scaffold support increases interfacial area, overcoming the high impedance typical of planar geometry SSLiBs resulting in an area-specific resistance of only ~2 Ωcm-2. The unique structure further allows for Li-metal high depth of discharge ability without cycling fatigue. Results for Li-metal anode/garnet-electrolyte-based batteries with a number of different cathode chemistries will be presented.

For more information about the conference and to register to attend, visit the conference webpage here: www.knowledgefoundation.com/battery-safety/

Published July 22, 2016