Fraunhofer Research Institution for Battery Cell Production FFB 
VULCAN
Research Project, “VULCAN - Versatile Ultra-thin Layer Coating and Architecture for NEVs”
The Vulcan project aims to develop improved lithium-ion batteries using innovative curtain-coating technology. Both the production technology and the battery cells to be developed will be superior to other solutions in terms of energy density and fast-charging capability, thereby creating significant competitive advantages for the EU internal market as it works to establish a globally competitive European battery industry. Improving the key properties of lithium-ion batteries, as well as gaining a technological edge through enhanced battery production, will reduce the European Union’s strategic dependencies in both energy supply and mobility.
Work Plan
The project timeline is divided into three phases and main work packages: Phase 1: Development (E), Phase 2: Optimization (O), and finally Phase 3: Scaling (S). In each phase, the development cycle for production technology is followed: Starting with the product design, the necessary production equipment is developed, followed by the development of the production process that manufactures the product. At the end of the development cycle, the product is compared to the target values established during the design phase.
Exploitation of Results
During the project, the research findings on process development and multilayer electrode architectures will be published, presented, and patented, which will promote scientific exchange and support the partners’ capacity building.
In the medium term, the developed processes - in particular the scalable production of multilayer electrodes and multilayer curtain coating - are to be transferred to industrial production lines, for example at Morrow, Jagenberg, BMW, and Fraunhofer FFB, to mass-produce battery cells with improved energy density, fast-charging capability, and service life.
In the long term, the project aims to secure Europe’s technological leadership in lithium-ion and next-generation batteries (e.g., solid-state batteries), make production more efficient and sustainable, and thereby open up new market opportunities in electric mobility and energy storage.
