Organisation Introduction

Collège de France is a public institution for higher education and research with a dual mission: to serve as a platform for cutting-edge research and teaching. Within Collège de France (CdF), the “Solid-State Chemistry-Energy (CSE)” laboratory is internationally recognized for its pursuit of research in both fundamental and applied aspects of energy storage and conversion, topics of significant importance for the future of our planet. The laboratory addresses the scientific challenges that currently impede progress in electrical energy storage by focusing on materials synthesis, characterization, and the understanding of complex interfacial phenomena that underlie potential breakthroughs in battery research. Various technologies, such as Li/Na-ion, solid-state, and aqueous batteries, are extensively studied, with a strong emphasis on monitoring battery performance using operando sensors. The laboratory consists of five permanent researchers and nearly 30 PhD students and postdoctoral fellows from various nationalities. It collaborates closely with several French industries and plays a pivotal role in organizing and uniting French research efforts in electrochemical energy storage, primarily through its director, Professor J.-M. Tarascon, who also leads the French Network on Energy Storage and Conversion (RS2E).

Why: our participation to AccCellBaT

To gain full control over batteries, it is crucial to predict the evolution of chemical, physical, and thermal parameters at the cell, battery sub-system and system level. These parameters, in turn, provide precise and reliable access to the states of charge (SoC) and health (SoH) of storage systems, as well as the determination of early fault indicators. Leveraging our expertise in optical fiber-based operando battery cell monitoring, in addition to 25 years of experience on Li-ion battery research, the CdF team aimed to collaborate with an international team that combines expertise in both physical battery testing and modeling/simulation. Our common goal is to accelerate battery development.

What: our objectives in AccCellBaT

The primary contribution of CdF is operando battery cell monitoring, which is based on Fiber Bragg grating (FBG) type sensors. Our contributions include sensor adaptation and integration, as well as establishing correlations between the measured observables and cell performance. We aim to provide the Consortium with multiple parameters, such as temperature (T), pressure (P), strain (ε), electrolyte composition (x), electrode respiration (ΔV), and heat flow (q), all with high sensitivity, at various locations within battery cells of different formats (pouch cells or 21700 cells). Additionally, by utilizing evanescent waves associated with the propagation of light in chalcogenide optical fibers, we will also monitor the chemical evolution within the target battery cells.

Statement

“Physical testing validates real-world performance, while virtual testing accelerates innovation and design optimization. With AccCellBaT, we aim to demonstrate how the combination of physical and virtual testing contributes collectively advancing battery technology for a sustainable future”.