R&D for Next-Generation Solid Electrolytes Batteries - Partnership agreement between Fraunhofer and Hydro-Québec

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Jul 15, 2016, 12:14 ET

MONTRÉAL, July 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ - The Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC and Hydro-Québec are teaming up to conduct research and development into next-generation lithium-ion and lithium-air battery materials to be used in transportation electrification.

The partnership will focus on inorganic solid electrolytes, especially glass-ceramic electrolytes. In addition to having excellent ionic conductivity, these materials are highly advantageous in terms of safety, thanks to their non-flammable nature.

"In joining forces with Hydro-Québec, we are increasing the pace in developing a next-generation solid-state battery with doubled energy density. The impact of this new technology could be enormous—especially for electric mobility applications," commented Dr. Alfred Gossner, Stellenbosch University professor and Executive Vice President of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, on the occasion of the joint signature of the Memorandum of Understanding in Munich during Québec's official visit to Bavaria, Germany. Dr. Gerhard Sextl, professor and Director of Fraunhofer ISC, added the following: "Hydro-Québec is Québec's most important energy supplier and one of the biggest producers of hydroelectricity and other renewable energies in the world. Hydro-Québec is a very powerful partner in developing trendsetting technologies for the storage and use of clean energy in transportation."

"Fraunhofer is one of Europe's most prestigious research institutions, and Fraunhofer ISC in particular has an impressive track record in the field of battery materials," noted Karim Zaghib, Director – Energy Storage and Conservation at IREQ, Hydro-Québec's research institute. "Like Hydro-Québec, it invests in research projects that look to meet specific, concrete needs. We are confident in this partnership's potential to contribute to extending electric vehicle battery range."

Fraunhofer ISC: Top provider of energy material solutions
Fraunhofer ISC develops material and processing solutions for energy and resource efficiency. As part of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft für anwendungsorientierte Forschung e. V., the biggest application-oriented research institution in Europe, the international renowned research institute works for small and midsized companies as well as large companies and OEMs or public institutions. Under Fraunhofer ISC's management, the Fraunhofer Research and Development Center Bavaria FZEB is one of the leading research institutions for battery development in Germany.

IREQ: Leader in battery materials innovation
As a world leader in electric vehicle battery materials and in grid storage, IREQ has developed extensive expertise in the area. Its know-how, its impressive intellectual property portfolio and its unique facilities draw interest from all around the world and attract the key players working on developing the technologies of tomorrow. The institute's work on advanced materials, particularly for lithium-ion batteries, has resulted in 30 active licences, 848 patents and 250 scientific publications in the last few years.

SOURCE Hydro-Québec