New insights towards next-generation of Na-ion/metal batteries – ToNaBatt
The project aims to address the networking gaps and deficiencies between the R&D battery sector from Romania and the leading European expert by strengthening the scientific and innovation capabilities of the host institution – ICSI in the field of Na battery research at staff and institutional levels.
ToNaBatt brings together a team of researchers with interdisciplinary background. They complement each other with their research and practical expertise in the battery field. This interdisciplinary team will favor the know-how and knowledge transfer in order to boost ICSI’s scientific excellence and innovation capacity in developing new generation of viable high energy density and environmentally friendly Na based batteries. The project team has been built considering these specific requirements leading to a multidisciplinary partnership with widely acknowledged expertise in the respective domain. Such interdisciplinary, in a highly competitive and emerging field, is crucial to demonstrate to the public and to all value chain stakeholders the new breakthrough technology exploiting sustainable, CRM-free and environmentally friendly materials and processes towards transformative Na batteries.
This will be achieved through cooperation with Prof. Alexandru VLAD, leading counterpart at EU level, ensuring knowledge, skill and experience transfer that is aimed at allowing ICSI to step up and gain access to the EU excellence research network in the field of Na batteries by the end of the project. The success of the overall knowledge and expertise transfer as the key elements of the project is intended to be validated by producing in a first stage a batch of Na metal cells, in the second stage a batch of competitive Na anode free pouch cells at ICSI, along with new protocols for material characterization, cell manufacturing, testing and validation.
What are the objectives of the project?
The work philosophy of ToNaBatt is to develop materials and processes free of toxic reagents and solvents and to lower the carbon footprint of battery production by using soft chemistry approaches. The proposed technology is expected to simplify the recycling processes and minimize the negative end-of-life impact. The overarching objective of ToNaBatt is to develop sustainable high energy density sodium batteries. To achieve this disruptive objective, ToNaBatt synergistically merges the unique expertise of the Project director and targets the following specific objectives:
- Establish the first research team in Romania on the development of Na batteries
-
Deep fundamental knowledge for materials optimization – by studying the impact of Na sacrificial sources on the efficiency and stability of Na-anode-free cells Towards Gen.5 batteries: high-energy and long-cycle-life operation – by developing Na battery lab prototype cells with long-term cycling stability, targeted practical energy densities, and design electrolytes that attain >99% Coulombic efficiency
-
Strengthened innovation excellence – ToNaBatt team will enable a critical mass to consolidate the leadership in this competitive field
ToNaBatt objectives are aligned to the technical content and scope of Romania’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan, Pillar III. Smart, sustainable, and inclusive growth, including economic cohesion, jobs, productivity, competitiveness, research, development, and innovation, and a well-functioning internal market with strong small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) Component C9. SUPPORT FOR THE PRIVATE SECTOR, RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION, “I8. Development of a program to attract highly specialized human resources from abroad in research, development and innovation activities”.
Work plan
The project is built with these Working Packages:
-
WP1 Project Management and strategic coordination
The objective of this WP is to ensure (i) the execution of the proposed work program in-line with allocated resource; (ii) coordination and scheduling of project meetings; (iii) centralization of reports and materials; and (iv) organization of group activities as well as digital and printed material publicizing the activities of the project. Facilitation of material and research exchange between the researchers, promotion of the highest synergy within the project to reach project goals and boost impact
-
WP2 Suitable Na-ion cathodes
Study/finding suitable inorganic Na cathodes compatible with Na based electrolytes; study of the impact of Na sacrificial sources, focus on anodic stability of the electrolytes complemented by structural, and electrochemical studies
-
WP3 Na based electrolytes
Formulation of innovative Na based electrolytes, and additives – for high conductivity, anodic stability and improved stability of Na metal/electrolyte interface
-
WP4 Na-metal interphase
Modifications of anode/electrolyte interfaces for optimization of Na-metal plating/stripping at the surface of Na-metal and at the surface of non-reactive substrates for > 99% efficiency
-
WP5 The battery system perspective
Integrate the key findings from WPs 2-4 to create prototype devices allowing to map the performance of Sodium cells
-
WP6 Dissemination and outreach
Maximizing the impact of the project by disseminating the outputs and enlarging the community of researchers beyond the frame of the project. Building up and structuring Na Energy Storage Technologies community. Fostering the emergence of new R&D projects in the frame of Na Energy Storage Technologies
We have a great team in place to make the project a success!
ToNaBatt brings together a team of researchers with interdisciplinary background. They complement each other with their research and practical expertise in the battery field. This interdisciplinary team will favor the know-how and knowledge transfer in order to boost ICSI’s scientific excellence and innovation capacity in developing new generation of viable high energy density and environmentally friendly Na based batteries. The project team has been built considering these specific requirements leading to a multidisciplinary partnership with widely acknowledged expertise in the respective domain. Such interdisciplinary, in a highly competitive and emerging field, is crucial to demonstrate to the public and to all value chain stakeholders the new breakthrough technology exploiting sustainable, CRM-free and environmentally friendly materials and processes towards transformative Na batteries.
