Anagrafe della ricerca

The substantial growth of renewable energy production expected in the coming years requires efficient massive storage to improve large-scale grid integration of intermittent electricity sources (e.g. solar, tides, wind). Nowadays, a more in-depth penetration of renewable electricity production is limited by our ability to store energy efficiently. Currently, lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries represent state-of-the-art in the field. However, the expected demand for Li-ion batteries driven by the automotive sector may raise issues regarding materials supply for lithium (viz. Li2CO3) and electrode raw materials (e.g. cobalt-based, Ni-based, natural graphite). Low-cost Na-ion batteries development based on abundant and sustainable compounds can relieve the market constraints, guaranteeing a substantial growth of the renewable energy sector supplying more flexibility/balancing to the grid. Therefore, developing new Na-ion-based technologies requires: i) the discovery/investigation of new materials/components being widely distributed in large amounts and without strategic contingencies; ii) utilization of green and sustainable materials in all their life phases (production, use, end-of-life). The target of GENESIS is to develop new materials for next-generation, high performance and sustainable secondary Na-ion batteries. In this context, GENESIS will investigate green, cost-effective and sustainable electrolytes to be coupled with biomass-derived electrodes, aiming at a more in-depth understanding of those systems, thus enabling the development of advancedlow cost and sustainable Na-ion storage systems. GENESIS will investigate in particular: i) computationally-assisted investigation of new materials for both the electrode and the electrolyte compartments; ii) application of advanced ex-situ and in-situ characterisation tools; iii) "green" fabrication of electrode/electrolyte materials; iv) their assembly and electrochemical testing in lab-scale half-cells. The project is intended to start at TRL-1/2 and reach TRL-4 in 24 months, and its targets are in sound consonance with the EU calls HORIZON 2020/HORIZON EUROPE. Recyclable, naturally abundant materials will be processed to become energy storage components with minimum or even zero environmental impact. The materials investigated within GENESIS will be characterised by: i) low environmental impact in terms of supplying, processing/manufacturing and post-cycling disposal/reuse; ii) elemental abundance; iii) low toxicity; iv) safety, and v) low cost. The project will focus on understanding transport-(micro)structure relationships of the electrode/electrolyte materials proposed and the physicochemical and functional behaviour. Emphasis will be devoted to the chemical/electrochemical stability of materials and interfaces and green, low-impact preparation methods by exploiting waste/biomasses and solvent-free/water-based routes.