The climate conference in Glasgow 2021 emphasized the importance of reducing CO2 emissions. This endeavor requires a more significant step towards sustainable energy sources and storage. The rationale for this project is to improve the next generation of emerging solid-state Li batteries (SSLBs), which can eliminate hazards and energy density issues associated with conventional liquid electrolyte-based Li-ion batteries (LIBs). To achieve this goal, five leading research groups and a large technological company in the EU have developed the following strategy to face the current challenges of SSLBs. We rely on multicomponent engineering of cathode material and its interface with the solid-state electrolyte to prevent stress-induced loss of contact during charge/discharge, which degrades electron/ion transfer, and thus improving the SSLB performance and longevity. Potential benefits are seen in the application of SSLB as true alternative to LIB to replace fossil fuels in the car industry.
UAM group with Celia Polop (Principal investigator) and Enrique García Michel, IFIMAC researchers, Carmen Morant and Herko van der Meulen leads the project Enhancing the mechanical stability of interfaces in solid-state Li-ion batteries for energy-intensive applications (SOLIMEC), funded in the M-ERA.NET 2021 call (Innovative surfaces, coatings and interfaces topic).
The consortium for SOLIMEC project, coordinated by Celia Polop, includes six partners from five different countries:
- Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (ES) (Coordinator)
- Montanuniversität Leoben (AT)
- Centre for advanced materials application SAS (SK)
- Norges Teknisk-Naturvitenskapelige Universitet NTNU (NO)
- Agencia Estatal Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (ES)
- AVL List GmbH (AT) (European company devoted to marketing and design of energy storage systems, that has a turnover of €1.7 billion and more than 11,000 employees.)
The M-ERA.NET Call 2021 was launched on 15 March 2021. 45 funding agencies from 32 countries participate with a total budget of approximately 60 million €, including an EU contribution.
The aim is to fund ambitious transnational RTD projects addressing materials research and innovation including materials for low carbon energy technologies, future batteries technology and related production technologies. M-ERA.NET aims to strengthen the contribution of materials R&D to energy-related applications where applicable.
The Call 2021 includes the following thematic areas:
- Modelling for materials engineering, processing, properties and durability
- Innovative surfaces, coatings and interfaces
- High performance composites
- Functional materials
- New strategies for advanced material-based technologies for health applications
- Materials for additive manufacturing
