Projects / Programmes
Redox active organic materials for electrical energy storage
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 2.04.01 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Materials science and technology |
Inorganic nonmetallic materials |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| P401 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Electrochemistry |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 2.05 |
Engineering and Technology |
Materials engineering |
storage of electrical energy, modern battery systems, composite electrodes, redox active organic materials
Researchers (9)
Organisations (3)
Abstract
Battery systems exploiting the organic based electroactive cathode materials are gaining importance in the applications where sustainable approach is required. Redox active cathodes can be coupled with lithium metal or with more sustainable earth alkali metals i.e. magnesium or calcium metal. Among all possible combinations, carbonyl compounds are currently the best candidates to be used in the battery systems due to high capacity, fast kinetics and ability to be readily chemically modified. The latter offers fine tuning of standard potential of the half reaction. Among them, the most attractive are “small” molecules, which are unfortunately partially or completely soluble in the organic solvents used in electrolytes. The solubility of redox electroactive organic molecules can be reduced or completely stopped by polymerisation, by introducing new solvents where molecules are not soluble or by grafting material to non-soluble substrates. Polymerisation seems to be the most promising direction; however, polymerised materials can represent an obstacle for electron and cation transport. Low electronic and ionic conductivity usually have negative effects to the cell energy density. By appropriate formulation of the composite, for instance introduction of electron conductive materials into polymerisation reaction, one can obtain homogenous composite electrodes with improved electrochemical properties. Another important parameter which determines the type of battery is their cycling stability and energy efficiency. Both depend on the mechanism of the charge transfer and preventing irreversible reactions of the phase boundaries. In this respect it is of high importance to understand charge transfer reactions and to monitor some irreversible reactions. Both processes will be studied by application of in operando characterisation techniques such as FTIR and XRS studies. The best synthesized materials will be then selected and tested in Li, Mg, and Ca – organic material configuration.
Significance for science
a,b) new natural laws, new scientific knowledge,
This is a target oriented applied research project. It combines the knowledge from different fields of materials science, organic chemistry and the technology for preparation of composite electrodes based on the redox active organic materials.
c) improvement of existing or introduction of new methods
Within the proposed project we plan to improve knowhow about the synthesis and purification of active materials which will be applied for energy storage in different battery systems. During the project we will study their integration into composite electrodes, and by using spectroscopic techniques mechanism of redox activity and ageing mechanism.
d) development of basic research field
The project fits very well into the basic research field of three different institutions involved into this research and it combines complex knowledge from different experts. The proposed research encompasses synthesis of organic materials and development of advanced architectures for cathode composites. In combination with in situ spectroscopic measurements we will determine mechanism of redox activity and ageing (chemical and electrochemical degradation). In general, the project is based on expertize on the field of organic chemistry, materials chemistry, electrochemistry and low energy physics and it will contribute to the development basic knowledge at each of research fields.
e) development of other knowledge, fields
The diverse skills from experts coming from three different institutions will give us an opportunity to share the existing knowledge with the hope to reach synergistic effects. This increases the probability of achieving important breakthroughs.
f) development of applied research
We estimate that the project will help to make research in the field of organic materials for batteries more systematic. Our focus will be on the synthesis of organic materials with high theoretical energy density and preparation of cathode composites which will enable their practical use. The targeted systems should have energy density higher than 250 Wh/kg. That can influence sustainability of proposed battery systems and it can lead to lower price.
g) development of new technologies
With the introduction of new battery systems based on the organic molecules we can expect significant reduction of their price and with that also accelerated application in the different fields where the volumetric energy density is not so important.
h) development of industrial research
The project will be a step forward to the improved technology of organic materials synthesis and preparation procedures for electrode composites. It will offer knowhow about the accessibility to the inexpensive and sustainable battery technology that can accelerate the development of areas related to the storage of electricity from renewable sources. It will also be a step forward towards the establishment of the objectives of the Paris climate conference.
Significance for the country
In the modern society two-thirds of CO2 emissions are related to the transport and electricity production. Lowering these emissions requires drastic changes in technologies related to electricity generation, its distribution and storage for short interim period. Electrical energy storage based on the battery systems will play an important role in these changes, and therefore the development of new battery systems needs to be addressed primarily by experts in the field of chemistry and materials science. We presume that this development will have a major impact on modern society in the near future. Production and storage of so-called "green - renewable energy" is also an opportunity for the economy, although currently these technologies, due to their complexity, are relatively expensive and not competitive with fossil fuels. However battery storage is already at the market and it is high added value product. With further development we can expect their wider applicability and consequently greater accessibility.
The proposed project provides development of battery systems that will be sustainable based on the use of organic redox-active materials for the positive electrode. We can also expect a lower price and in particular much lower consumption of energy for their production. All this will have a significant impact on development of the modern society in the near future.
Most important scientific results
Interim report,
final report
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Interim report,
final report
