Research & Development

Because of the intermittent nature of most renewable energy, storage solutions play a vital role in the availability of energy throughout the day.  

This requires the improvement of existing storage technologies, the development of new more cost-effective and better-performing technologies, and the installation of markets and regulation to stimulate the integration of storage systems in the distribution grids. 

In this context, Starz Energies performs research on battery electrode materials based on the extensive technologies in the field of electrochemistry, metals, organic/inorganic materials, etc.

STRATEGY

At the Starz Energies battery lab, we work to develop analytical methods and advanced diagnostics that can improve the ability to do research.

Starz Energies has engaged to investigate new and promising materials for future battery chemistries:

Objectives

  • New cathode materials with high voltage and capacity
  • Inactive components in the battery that can perform multiple roles
  • New electrolytes that are more stable
  • Advanced cell chemistries that promise higher energy density
  • Lithium-ion anodes that are higher capacity than traditional carbon based electrodes
  • Developing advanced material coatings
  • Developing new ceramic, polymer, and hybrid structures with high ionic conductivity, low electronic impedance, and high structural stability
  • Improving separator/electrolyte combinations that result in less dendrite growth when using Li metal anodes (dendrite growth can lead to shorts in the battery)

Mission

Our research focuses on improving battery energy density while ensuring safety, long life, and competitive cost.

EXPERTISE​

LFP Solution

In our laboratory we have applied the solid state, sol gel and co-precipitation synthesis methods to fabricate LFP/C, LCO, LMO, and NMC cathodes materials for Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs).

Fig.1 shows the X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern of LiFePO4/C prepared in Starz Energies lab. The experimental data can be indexed to single olivine phase with a Pnma space group, without signs and traces of impurities (JCPDS81-1173).

crystal structure of Olivine LiFePO4
Fig.2. The crystal structure of Olivine LiFePO4 in projection along [001]
X-ray of LFP material
Fig.1. X-ray powder diffraction of the prepared LFP/C nanoparticles

In nature, LiFePO4 crystallizes in orthorhombic Olivine-type structure (Fig.2), with space group Pnma, and is known as triphylite.

The lattice parameters are a=10.33Å, b=6.01Å, and c=4.69Å; the unit cell volume is V=291.2Å3. 

LTO Solution

Spinel lithium titanium oxide (Li4Ti5O12, LTO), a high lithium insertion/extraction voltage of approximately 1.55 V (vs. Li/Li+) and excellent cycle stability, has been successfully prepared.

Figures 2a shows the XRD patterns of Li4Ti5O12 powder. All diffraction peaks were in accordance with the standard diffraction pattern of LTO, Powder Diffraction File (PDF) number 049-0226, which can be indexed to a cubic Spinel structure with the space group of Fd-3m.

Figures 2b show the unit cells of Spinel lithium titanium oxide (Li4Ti5O12, LTO), which belong to the Fd-3m space group (No. 227).

X-ray powder diffraction of the prepared Li4Ti5O12, LTO.
Fig.2a. X-ray powder diffraction of the prepared Li4Ti5O12, LTO.
Unit cell of spinel Li4Ti5O12, LTO.
Fig.2b. Unit cell of spinel Li4Ti5O12, LTO. The green spheres represent lithium, blue titanium and red oxygen.

Machines & Equipments