2020 roadmap on solid-state batteries

Li-ion batteries have revolutionized the portable electronics industry and empowered the electric vehicle (EV) revolution. Unfortunately, traditional Li-ion chemistry is approaching its physicochemical limit. The demand for higher density (longer range), high power (fast charging), and safer EVs has recently created a resurgence of interest in solid state batteries (SSB). Historically, research has focused on improving the ionic conductivity of solid electrolytes, yet ceramic solids now deliver sufficient ionic conductivity. The barriers lie within the interfaces between the electrolyte and the two electrodes, in the mechanical properties throughout the device, and in processing scalability. In 2017 the Faraday Institution, the UK's independent institute for electrochemical energy storage research, launched the SOLBAT (solid-state lithium metal anode battery) project, aimed at understanding the fundamental science underpinning the problems of SSBs, and recognising that the paucity of such understanding is the major barrier to progress. The purpose of this Roadmap is to present an overview of the fundamental challenges impeding the development of SSBs, the advances in science and technology necessary to understand the underlying science, and the multidisciplinary approach being taken by SOLBAT researchers in facing these challenges. It is our hope that this Roadmap will guide academia, industry, and funding agencies towards the further development of these batteries in the future

2021 roadmap on lithium sulfur batteries

Abstract: Batteries that extend performance beyond the intrinsic limits of Li-ion batteries are among the most important developments required to continue the revolution promised by electrochemical devices. Of these next-generation batteries, lithium sulfur (Li–S) chemistry is among the most commercially mature, with cells offering a substantial increase in gravimetric energy density, reduced costs and improved safety prospects. However, there remain outstanding issues to advance the commercial prospects of the technology and benefit from the economies of scale felt by Li-ion cells, including improving both the rate performance and longevity of cells. To address these challenges, the Faraday Institution, the UK’s independent institute for electrochemical energy storage science and technology, launched the Lithium Sulfur Technology Accelerator (LiSTAR) programme in October 2019. This Roadmap, authored by researchers and partners of the LiSTAR programme, is intended to highlight the outstanding issues that must be addressed and provide an insight into the pathways towards solving them adopted by the LiSTAR consortium. In compiling this Roadmap we hope to aid the development of the wider Li–S research community, providing a guide for academia, industry, government and funding agencies in this important and rapidly developing research space

Evidence of diminished FEV1 and FVC in 6-year-olds followed in the European cystic fibrosis patient registry, 2007–2009

AbstractBackgroundMany infants with cystic fibrosis (CF) exhibit airway inflammation, gas trapping, bronchiectasis, and/or reduced flow, but by age 6years have forced vital capacities (FVC) and expiratory volumes in 1second (FEV1) within the variability range of the normal population. We sought evidence of diminished FVC and FEV1 in 6-year-olds with CF.MethodsGLI 2012 FVC and FEV1 Z-scores for 6-year-olds from the European CF Patient Registry were plotted against theoretical values from the Normal distribution.ResultsMean FVC and FEV1 Z-scores for 681 patients (322 females) were −0.43 (SD=1.41) and −0.65 (1.40). Z-scores were consistently lower than expected for the normative population by quantile–quantile plot.ConclusionsDiminished FEV1, and to a lesser extent FVC, is found in a large majority of this population, consistent with an established body of evidence that loss of lung function begins early in life for most, if not all, children with CF