Hybrid solid electrolyte for safer rechargeable sodium batteries with higher energy density

Electrification is one of major pathways to the decarbonisation of Europes transport and energy sectors, which will allow Europe to address the ambition to become the world first climate-neutral continent by 2050.

Rechargeable batteries will help decarbonise transport sector and enable a higher uptake of renewable energy, and are therefore strategically important to Europe.

The HySoBatt project aims to develop a hybrid solid electrolyte comprising aligned NASICON-type inorganic nanofiber networks embedded in sodium (Na) conducting polymer electrolyte, which can be used in rechargeable solid-state Na batteries and to markedly improve batterys energy density and safety.

Such solid-state Na batteries will be a promising, low-cost alternative to the current widely used lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), without the need for any Critical Raw Materials that may bring potential supply risks for upscaling.

The low-cost and improved safety of solid-state Na batteries will also promote their wider adoption in the battery market in the future.

The applicant has extensive hands-on experience in sodium-ion battery research, and he will be able to extend further the breath of his research and gain a holistic view about the R&D of rechargeable Na batteries.

The host institution will arrange a number of training activities helping the applicant gain new competences and skills not only in scientific research but also in project management & reporting, proposal preparation, IP protection, and science communications.

The proposed research is aligned with both the SRIA of Batt4EU and the national and the host institutions strategies on batteries. Both the applicant and the host institution will benefit from the two-way knowledge transfer.

All research and training actions will significantly enhance the applicants future career prospects, helping him move towards a higher career path after the project. The project results will be disseminated to different target groups.