Lithium deposition

The vision of the project is to contribute to a sustainable, circular, and competitive European battery value chain. To this end, the manufacturability, scalability, and cost-efficiency of lithium-sulfur battery technology in combination with surface coating materials for the protection of metallic anodes will be evaluated. Our contribution to the consortium is the coating of current collectors with thin lithium layers as anode material. Electrochemical deposition is used for this purpose at Fraunhofer IKTS.

The novelty lies in developing a continuous electrochemical and economical deposition process for the production of a lithium anode with a positive effect on mass and volume-related energy density. The first challenge is to adapt a battery electrolyte for a dendrite-free plating with a feasible deposition rate. The second challenge is to scale up to a roll-to-roll process, considering safety and technical aspects. This includes the safe handling of large volumes of electrolyte, working under an inert gas atmosphere, maintaining a uniform plating thickness, controlling electrolyte circulation, and ensuring good adhesion and drying of the layers.

Project duration: 01.06.2025 – 30.11.2028

Grant agreement No.: 101202842

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101202842. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CINEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.