Projects

FuseTheWaste (EUCOR Seed Money)

Climate change and the increasing demand for energy storage (ES) urge the development of sustainable battery systems. Indeed, electrochemical storage systems containing earth-abundant materials (e.g., sodium (Na) and sulphur (S)) could be a choice for sustainable battery development. In this regard, room-temperature sodium-sulphur batteries (RT-Na-SBs) have attracted extensive attention due to their low cost and their theoretical high specific energy. Yet, RT-Na-SBs usually suffer from low reversible capacity, short lifespan and inferior coulombic efficiency compared to Li-ion Batteries (LIBs). Thus, we aim to develop cathode materials that address the intrinsic downsides of current RT-Na-SBs, e.g., polysulfide shuttling (PSS) (Na2Sn, 4≤ n ≤ 8) and low electrical conductivity of elemental sulfur (S8) by designing novel polymeric materials based on domestic waste (e.g., waste-cooking oil (WCO) and eggshell (EGS), intended for landfills or sewage) into high-value ES materials for sustainable energy development. The key-idea is to develop cathode materials that ensure large S content (i.e., ∼90 wt %) by fusing the landfill and domestic waste materials (e.g., S8, EGS and WCO) to ensure minimum PSS, enhanced kinetics and high-conductivity. Moreover, attempts towards anode-free metal-S battery development through pre-sodiation of such cathode materials will be investigated.

Vier-Volt-Natrium-Ionen-Batterie (4NiB)

The aim of the project is to develop the anode, cathode, and electrolyte components, as well as to produce an innovative, high-performance, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly sodium-ion battery for both mobile (e.g. scooters, light commercial vehicles, and local transport vehicles) and stationary applications.
The ultimate goal is to demonstrate a sodium-ion pouch cell (TRL 4) with a specific energy of up to 200 Wh/kg at the stack level.

The implementation of a proof of concept and the development of demonstrators for fully integrated sodium-ion battery (NIB) cells are based on successfully completed preliminary research at the materials level (anode, cathode, and electrolyte) by each project partner. This foundational work will serve as the basis for developing the first generation of complete sodium-ion cells within the project.

The FMF Institute will focus on the development and formulation of novel electrolytes that can operate at high voltages in combination with cathode materials provided by ZSW. In addition, various pre-sodiation strategies will be developed in a full-cell configuration to improve the irreversible capacity loss during the first cycle.

Unlocking the secrets of
water-ion interactions and energy storage mechanisms in quasi-solid-state aqueous electrolytes (SENERGY)

Quasi-solid aqueous electrolytes offer unprecedented opportunities for safe, fast and efficient energy storage. Yet, little is known about the ion transport, solvation structure and electrochemical storage mechanism in these electrolytes, which exist at the boundary of liquids and solids. This project aims to explore a new avenue in the design of quasi-solid-state electrolytes based on water/salt/polymer mixtures containing high concentrations of zinc and chlorine-based ions. This approach will enable us to investigate the fundamental physicochemical properties of the electrolytes and the interplay between water-ion and water-polymer interactions as a function of concentration and temperature. Moreover, we will examine ion transport behavior, insertion/intercalation and ion-specific-electrode interactions at Zn metal and layered material electrodes using advanced analytical and electrochemical methods. By doing so, we will design new safe, flexible, highly conductive, and high-voltage quasi-solid electrolytes for the future generation of rechargeable Zn-ion batteries.