ANGeLiC: ALD-protected Next Generation Lithium-Sulphur Battery Cell
Advancing beyond lithium-ion for heavy-duty mobility
ANGeLiC is developing Generation 5 lithium-sulphur (Li-S) battery technology specifically designed for heavy-duty vehicles. By replacing metal-rich cathodes with abundant sulphur and protecting lithium-metal anodes with advanced coating techniques, we’re creating a pathway to batteries that are lighter, cheaper, safer, and fully recyclable—addressing the supply chain vulnerabilities and performance limitations of current lithium-ion technology.
Why lithium-sulphur?
Today’s lithium-ion batteries face ongoing challenges: shortages of cobalt and nickel, limited energy density for heavy-duty applications, difficult recyclability, and the environmental and social costs of mining critical raw materials. Lithium-sulphur chemistry offers a compelling alternative. Sulphur is abundant, non-critical, and significantly cheaper than the metals used in conventional batteries. Using sulphur allows us to produce lightweight cells whilst reducing Europe’s dependence on imported materials—a key step toward strategic autonomy in battery manufacturing.
Our approach: protection is key
The main barrier to commercialising Li-S batteries has been the instability of lithium-metal anodes, which suffer from dendrite growth and low coulombic efficiency. ANGeLiC tackles this head-on using atomic layer deposition (ALD) and molecular layer deposition (MLD)—advanced techniques that create protective thin-film coatings on both the anode and cathode. These coatings enhance stability, extend cycle life, and improve safety without compromising energy density.
We’re not just developing better materials; we’re designing scalable manufacturing processes compatible with existing lithium-ion production infrastructure. This includes roll-to-roll lithium anode deposition and proof-of-concept demonstrations at small pilot line scale. By focusing on manufacturability from the start, we’re paving the way for practical, industrial-scale adoption. Equally important, our batteries are designed for end-of-life recyclability, with innovative electrolyte formulations that avoid hazardous decomposition products and simplify material recovery.
What we’re aiming for by 2030
Our technical targets are ambitious but grounded in rigorous research:
- Energy density: 500 Wh/kg at cell level (specific energy) and 600 Wh/l (volumetric)
- Safety: EUCAR hazard level 4 for cells with liquid electrolyte, level 2 for polymer electrolyte cells
- Cycle life: 800+ cycles at 50% depth of discharge
- Discharge rate: 4C for liquid electrolyte cells, 2C for polymer electrolyte cells
- Cost: Below €75/kWh at cell level
- Sustainability: Improved recyclability and minimal environmental impact throughout the lifecycle
These improvements translate directly into longer range, faster charging, and lower costs for heavy-duty vehicles.
Collaboration and impact
ANGeLiC brings together 11 partners across 10 countries, combining expertise in materials science, electrochemistry, manufacturing, and lifecycle assessment. Several consortium members are active in both Battery2030+ and Batt4EU, ensuring our work aligns with and contributes to Europe’s broader battery strategy. We’re also members of the Solid4BCluster and collaborate closely with sister projects TALISSMAN and HighMag from the same funding call, creating synergies across complementary battery technologies.
By advancing Li-S technology from TRL 2-3 to TRL 4-6, ANGeLiC directly supports the European Green Deal, the Strategic Energy Technology Plan, and the Circular Economy Action Plan. Our research strengthens Europe’s position in the global battery market, reduces dependence on critical raw materials, and provides actionable insights for updating regulatory frameworks around material recovery and recycling.
Project coordinator: Marta Putrinš CIVITTA Finland
Contact: Marta Putrinš marta.putrins@civitta.com
