Research and development of next generation batteries in the ALCA-SPRING project (JST)

Abstract The research and development of the next generation batteries promoted by Japan Science and Technology are introduced. The project name is “Advanced Low Carbon Technology Research and Development Program – Specially Promoted Research for Next Generation Batteries (ALCA-SPRING). All-solid-state batteries with oxide or sulfide solid electrolyte, Li air battery, Li sulfur battery, Mg metal battery and Li metal battery were included in this project. Firstly, the concept and target of ALCA-SPRING project is briefly introduced to clarify an importance of next generation batteries. Especially, the most important purpose is the reduction of CO ₂ by using next generation batteries. In addition, unique and typical research results are summarized. A lot of new materials have been developed to realize high energy density of batteries. Furthermore, these materials have been applied to cells to confirm their usefulness. For all-solid-state battery with sulfide solid electrolyte, Li sulfur battery, and Li metal battery, the progress in this project accelerated the commercialization for those batteries. On the other hand, for all-solid-state battery with oxide electrolyte, Li air battery and Mg metal battery, the obstacle preventing practical application became clear, and the need for fundamental research to overcome them was confirmed.