Sustainable and Safe anode-free Na battery
To reach the objectives of the project, the consortium will work on optimizing and carefully characterize the three vital components of the battery: anode, cathode and electrolyte, including a precise control of the electrolyte/electrode interfaces.
Anode: No intercalation anode will be used.
In anode-free batteries the metal is deposited directly on the current collector, enhancing the specific energy because of the elimination of the anode weight. Anode-free structures enable increments of ≈30% in specific energy (Wh/kg) and ≈60% in volumetric energy density (Wh/L).
Uppsala university will work in collaboration with PT to determine the safe operating conditions that inhibit the formation and growth of dendrites.
Cathode: a proprietary material Fennac® (Prussian white) patented by ALTRISTM will be used and optimized.
The Prussian white material will be synthesised using Altris’ patented (in 2017) low-cost and energy-efficient method yielding high quality crystals with low concentration of defects. Prussian white has gained tremendous interest in the incipient NIBs industry as one of the most viable cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries due to its competitive cost-to-performance ratio and environmental friendliness.
Altris will work in collaboration with Uppsala University in the characterization of the novel cathodes in combination with the electrolytes, especially at the interphases.
Electrolytes: Non-flammable electrolytes either liquid or polymer-based that hinder dendritic growth and enable a safe battery performance will be formulated.
The development of electrolytes will be carried out taking into account its safety in terms of non-flammability. Various strategies will include the introduction of targeted flame-retardant additives/co-solvens. Additional beneficial approach comprises polymer-based electrolytes which can be conceived ad-hoc depending on the system requirements, tuning and balancing rheology and ion diffussivity. Polymer based electrolytes, in addition to suppressing dendrite growth, can avoid leaks, contribute to making the battery lighter and increase the design and geometry versatility.
Jülich FZ and ICTP will work in collaboration with DTU for the development of suitable electrolytes that fulfils the requirements of both safety and performance, while keeping its potential environmental impact as low as possible