Poly(catechol)-Lignin Hybrid Electrodes for Sustainable Batteries

Designing safe and sustainable batteries is of great importance for sustainable development of our modern society.

Hereof, rechargeable aqueous metal-polymer batteries (RAMPBs) that combine inherently sustainable redox-active polymer (RAP) organic cathodes, safe and abundant metal anodes in water-based electrolytes are identified as promising candidates.

However, to date, most of the tested RAPs are synthetic ones, and their commercial exploitation hasnt been accomplished due to high cost/performance factor.

SUBPOL proposal aims to develop sustainable RAMPBs by hybridizing cost-oriented biopolymer (Lignin; Lig) and performance-oriented synthetic RAPs (PolyCatechols; PC) into organic cathodes, and combining with appropriate metal anodes (Zn, Pb, etc), targeting their performance beyond state-of-the-art (150600Wh/kg, ~$150/kWh).

SUBPOL will follow an integrated approach of macromolecular engineering-tailor made PCs, biopolymer platform-ease of Lig modification, novel electrode fabrication methods-LbL of complimentary charged PC and Lig polyelectrolytes or polyelectrolyte complexes and device optimization.

This Fellowship will provide ER strong technical, professional and transferable skills, especially with acquisition of biopolymer batteries and scale-up, which will complete his practical expertise in synthetic RAPs, their applicability in different batteries. The success of SUBPOL depends on material design, device fabrication, scale-up, and all members of this consortium: Dr.

Patil-ER, supervisors, Prof. Crispin-Linkping University at host, Dr. Marcilla-IMDEA Energia (secondment), Dr. Nilsson-Ligna Energy (placement in non-academia) have already demonstrated required skills in this regard.

Optimistically, SUBPOL will cover some of the priorities of HE-WP for energetic future of EU, and also its multidisciplinary aspect provide a true opportunity to reach his career goal of becoming an independent researcher in either a leading university or R&D batteries company