McMaster University

Purpose

Under an international consortium, the collaboration between the NRC and McMaster University focuses on optimizing Lithium-ion Batteries (LIBs) by leveraging expertise from both institutions. Core to the collaboration are NRC’s cathode self-driving laboratory (SDL) and McMaster's advanced Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) techniques. The Project aims to transform structure-property-performance relationships between a battery cathode and electrolyte using autonomous experimentation, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) algorithms, and real-time Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) to enhance the cathode-electrolyte interface, verified by solid-state 7Li NMR (ssNMR). McMaster University provides advanced magnetic resonance (MR) characterizations to analyze lithium-ion dynamics. The university will benchmark electrolytes, focusing on lithium diffusion coefficients and activation energies, and build a database of physical chemistry parameters. Operando characterization strategies using McMaster’s MR pencil-cell will study Li+ dynamics in half- and full-cell configurations, assessing lithium plating and battery aging. This collaboration promises significant advancements in the efficiency and longevity of next-generation LIBs.