DEPARTMENT of Lithium Systems Electrochemistry

Head: Assoc. Prof. A. Momchilov
Tel: (+359 2) 979 27 38; 870 93 88

E-mail: aamomch@bas.bg

A wide experience in the field of the fundamental problems of lithium systems, and technology, and design of lithium batteries has been accumulated during accomplishing several projects during last 25 years. The final products of these projects are:

-  Li/SO₂ primary batteries designed for high rate and heavy mechanical requirements working in wide temperature range (-50 to +65oC) and a technology and machine devices for its production;

-  “know-how” for Li/MnO₂ primary batteries working in a wide temperature range (-20 to +50o) with high efficiency  (85% from the theoretical);

-  Conductive binders (TAB2, TAB3, TAB 4), original products of the Laboratory, used in different type battery cathodes;

- Transition metal compounds (MnO₂, Li_XMnO₂, Li_XMe_YMnO₂, LiMe_XMn₂O₄, NaCrS₂, LiCrS₂, LiCr_XV_1-XS₂, LiV₃O₈, KV₅O₁₃ and K₂V₈O₂₁) suitable for high efficiency positive electrodes of 3Vand 4V rechargeable lithium batteries. Excellent energy density and cyclability is established for a number of them.

-  Special equipment for lithium systems research and development, such as, laboratory testing cells, dry glow boxes with argon atmosphere, humidity sensor for dry boxes, an oxygen sensor, a computer controlled cycling device, computer testing systems, etc.;

-  Testing /and development/ of different constructive materials for Li and Li-ion batteries.

Main trends of the investigation work:

-         Synthesis and investigation of new compound as active materials for the positive electrode on primary Li and Li-ion batteries,

-         Investigation /and synthesis/ of new materials  as an alternative of Li metal anode for Li-ion batteries,

-         Investigation of lithium elec trochemistry systems in the field of design and technology,

-    Electrochemical characterization of separators, electrolytes and conductive binder for possible usage in Li and Li-ion batteries.

In accordance with the main research fields, the following research projects are in progress:

Investigation of intercalation compounds based on manganese oxides

Head: Assoc. Prof. B. Banov, Ph.D.

This project includes synthesis and study of manganese dioxides based compounds as MnO₂, Li_XMnO₂, Li_XMe_YMnO₂, LiMn₂O₄, and LiMe_XMn₂O₄,  for 3V and 4V high efficiency rechargeable lithium batteries with liquid or polymer electrolyte.

Investigation of intercalation compounds based on LiCo_1-x-yNi_xMe_yO₂

Head: Assoc. Prof. A. Momchilov, Ph.D.

Intercalation compounds based on this are synthesized characterized electrochemically as active 4V materials for Li-ion batteries.

Investigation of new compounds as active material for the negative electrode in lithium and  Li-ion batteries

Heads: Assoc. Prof. A. Momchilov, Assoc. Prof. B. Banov

It encompasses investigation of new lithium electrode alternatives based on the lithium-carbon intercalation compounds, metal alloys and other intercalating structures.

Experimental & Customizing R&D and Testing Facilities

• Experimental Dry Room (for 2-3 persons) with water content less than 500ppm;

• 3 argon filled glove boxes (6 work places) with dry and oxygen-free atmosphere (O2 and humidity less then 20ppm);

• Instrumentation for different electrochemical experiments;

• 3 Computer Controlled Cycling Devices for long-term secondary lithium cell tests (36 channels), and 10 channels analogous controlled cycling devices.