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Institute Electrochemical Energy Storage

BATIX

BATIXS – Battery Interface X-ray Spectroscopy

Unlocking the Secrets of Battery Interfaces with Synchrotron-Based Characterization

The transition to sustainable energy relies heavily on the development of high-performance, chemically stable battery materials. A central challenge in this field lies at the electrolyte/electrode interface—where crucial processes such as ion transport, solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation, and chemical degradation take place. These interfaces are especially complex in modern batteries, where industrial electrolyte formulations can include up to 20 components to enhance properties such as safety, temperature stability, and overall performance.

The BATIXS project (Battery Interface X-ray Spectroscopy) is dedicated to making these invisible processes visible. By using advanced soft-to-tender X-ray absorption spectroscopy at synchrotron beamlines, the project will enable in-situ investigations of wetted electrodes and powders under realistic operating conditions. This method is particularly suited to studying surface-sensitive reactions due to its low penetration depth and element-specific sensitivity.

A key feature of BATIXS is the development of a robust, user-friendly sample environment tailored for operando experiments. This platform will allow researchers and industry partners to observe how electrolyte components behave at interfaces in real time, offering direct insights into chemical stability and interfacial phenomena. The platform is being developed with a strong focus on usability for applied research, making it accessible even to partners without extensive experience in synchrotron techniques.

BATIXS is a collaborative effort between research institutions and E-Lyte Innovations GmbH—Europe’s only dedicated producer of tailor-made battery electrolytes. Together, the partners will explore battery systems that include nickel-rich cathodes, blended anodes (such as graphite combined with silicon or tin), and sodium-ion cathodes. The goal is to understand how different electrolyte compositions interact with these materials and to guide the development of optimized battery concepts.

The project aligns with the broader mission of HiACTS, which aims to bridge the gap between industry and large-scale research infrastructures by enabling co-creation and shared innovation. BATIXS contributes directly to this vision by strengthening the connection between academic research and industrial application, promoting knowledge transfer, and supporting the development of licensable technologies and scalable methods.

In summary, BATIXS provides a powerful new tool for understanding the dynamic behavior of battery interfaces. Through its innovative combination of synchrotron analytics and industrial collaboration, it will accelerate the development of safer, more efficient, and more sustainable energy storage solutions.