SAM4SIB - Sustainable Anode Materials for Sodium Ion Batteries

In this project, sustainable hard carbon materials from bio-based precursors will be prepared and investigated for applications to sodium ion battery anodes. Various bio-based precursors and hard carbon preparation conditions will be explored. Electrochemical characterization will be conducted to evaluate the sodium storage properties of materials. In addition, scalable battery electrode preparation technologies will be developed, while electrolyte formulations will be optimized to achieve the best performance of the sustainable hard carbon materials. An important part of the project is dedicated to a deeper understanding of the sodium storage and transport mechanisms in hard carbons. The knowledge acquired will be used for an iterative improvement of the hard carbon manufacture methods and technologies throughout the entire duration of the project and beyond. While sustainable hard carbons are the only cost-effective solution envisaged for sodium ion battery anodes, only a comprehensive and accurate understanding of materials' structure-property relations may ensure a successful innovation process and commercial development. By following a multi-pronged approach, this project rationally and systematically tackles the development of sustainable hard carbon materials at both fundamental and technological level. Our project paves the way towards a bio-based large-scale sodium ion battery anode production for energy storage applications.