(Invited) Exploiting Organic Materials for Next Generation Batteries

Abstract

Energy storage plays, undoubtedly, a fundamental role in the process of total decarbonization of the global economy that is expected to take place in the coming decades. The energy transition to a renewable and sustainable generation will be the solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and thus achieve the European Commission´s goal of becoming the world´s first decarbonized economy. Our mission is therefore aligned with this goal by improving the industry competitiveness and sustainable development, from a benchmark position in energy research, generating disruptive knowledge in materials and high-tech solutions. Within the electrochemical storage area, and in particular organic hybrid materials group, we work from the synthesis and design of organic molecules and polymeric materials to the understanding of their properties and interfaces with the ultimate goal of developing next generation battery systems.In this talk, a general overview of our core research will be given with a special focus on the design of polymer electrolytes. In recent years we have explored various strategies to meet the requirements of electrolytes: high lithium cation conductivity and stability against high voltage and towards lithium metal (LiM). In this scenario we have synthesized new polymers and lithium salts. Inspired by poly(ethylene oxide), polymers containing ethylene oxide units will be presented, with decreased crystallinity to improve ionic conductivity.1 This improvement generally compromises the mechanical properties. In this respect, different strategies will be shown.2,3 However, it is difficult to design a polymer that meets all properties. In this scope, a bi-layer concept will be described and how salt migration can be addressed using a single-ion conducting polymer electrolyte (SLIC).4,5 Motivated by the bi-layer strategy, within SAFELiMOVE EU project a new solid-state-based technology have been proposed.6 The most relevant work carried out in the framework of the project will be presented.References I. Aldalur et al., J Power Sources, 347, 37–46 (2017).I. Aldalur et al., J Power Sources, 448, 227424 (2020)I. Aldalur, M. Martinez-Ibañez, M. Piszcz, H. Zhang, and M. Armand, Batter Supercaps, 1, 149–159 (2018)M. Arrese-Igor et al., ACS Energy Lett, 7, 1473–1480 (2022)M. Arrese-Igor et al., Energy Storage Mater, 45, 578–585 (2022)https://safelimove.eu/