NaKlaR - Component development and customised recycling for sodium-ion batteries

Project / December 01, 2023

Developing solutions for the remaining challenges that will lead to sustainable sodium-ion-batteries with improved electrochemical performance

The world's growing demand for energy can only be met by developing efficient energy storage technologies. Sodium-ion batteries are a promising alternative to conventional lithium-ion batteries. One advantage of sodium-ion batteries is the good availability of sodium (compared to lithium).

Nevertheless, there are still many challenges to overcome in sodium-ion technology (e.g. the production of sustainable water-based electrodes and the development of high-performance electrolytes).

In addition, very little effort has been made to date to develop recycling processes for sodium-ion batteries. From a sustainability perspective, it is necessary to consider recycling in the early development phase of sodium-ion batteries.

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Objectives

By realizing the following three objectives, the recyclability of sodium-ion batteries can be guaranteed, while at the same time the performance and sustainability of the cell will be increased.

Implementation

Implementation of water-based electrode production for sodium-ion batteries through the development of protective coatings for sodium-based layered oxide cathode materials, the use of bio-based binders and the development of a better understanding of ageing mechanisms.

Development

Development of novel electrolyte formulations for aqueous processed electrodes based on both existing and novel sodium salts that are less sensitive to hydrolysis than the standard conductive salt.

Exploration

Exploration of processes for the direct recycling of sodium-ion battery production scraps and cells.

Video by Bayerischer Rundfunk
on the research focus of the NaKlaR project

YouTube clip (German version)

Funding authority:

This project has received funding from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (Grant No.: 03XP0560B)

Project duration:

12/1/2023 – 11/30/2026

Partners:

Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC
University of Wuerzburg
Helmholtz Institute Ulm/Karlsruhe Institute of Technology

Project coordinator:

University of Wuerzburg

Project

NaKlaR - Component development and customised recycling for sodium-ion batteries

Developing solutions for the remaining challenges that will lead to sustainable sodium-ion-batteries with improved electrochemical performance