Technology Readiness Level Research Articles

Dental Students’ Perceptions of the Current Educational Environment and Readiness for the Simulation-based Teaching Model: A Questionnaire-based Cross-sectional Study from Malaysia

Introduction: To facilitate the advancement of dental education in Malaysia, it is imperative to get insight into the perceptions held by dental students towards the current situation of the Educational Environment (EE). Moreover, in the current evolution of the educational framework, a shift is occurring from the conventional pedagogical approach to the implementation of simulation-based experiences. For a better understanding of virtual learning, it is crucial to determine students’ level of technology readiness. Aim: To identify the students’ perceptions regarding the present dental EE in Malaysia and their technology readiness for a simulation-based teaching and learning model and to verify whether technology readiness influences students’ perceptions of the present EE. Materials and Methods: The study utilised a cross-sectional survey design. A total of 146 dental students enrolled in year 4 and year 5 of three dental faculties in Malaysia were invited to this study from May to June 2023. The survey used the Dundee Ready Educational Environment Scale (DREEM) and the modified Technology Readiness Index (TRI) to measure students’ perceptions of EE and readiness for the new educational model. Mann-Whitney U tests were conducted to explore the differences among different demographic information for both DREEM and modified TRI. Multivariable linear regression analysis was conducted to determine associated factors with the TRI score. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to measure the correlation between DREEM and modified TRI. All tests for statistical significance were carried out using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 26.0. Results: The overall global score of DREEM was 127.74/200. Comparing the subscale and global DREEM scores between public and private universities, significant differences were found in all dimensions and global DREEM scores except for students’ Social Self-Perception (SSP). Year four Undergraduate (UG) students showed more positivity in Students’ Perception of Learning (SPL) (p=0.020) and Students’ Perception of Teachers (SPT) (p=0.031) than year five students. While the overall mean score of the modified TRI was 3.08/5. The level of technology readiness would not affect the overall global DREEM score. Conclusion: Dental UGs’ perception of the EE is considered to be “more positive than negative.” However, improvements are needed in SPL and SPT. Generally, dental UGs in Malaysia have reached an adequate technology readiness level toward simulation-based teaching and learning.

Epoxy-a-lapachone in nanosystem: a prototype drug for leishmaniasis assessed in the binomial BALB/c - Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis.

This perspective presents and supports arguments for a new formulation of epoxy-α-lapachone loaded microemulsion (ELAP-ME), a nanosystem, as a prototype drug for the treatment of leishmaniasis. The benefits of ELAP as a multitarget compound, with properties that affect key physiological pathways of Leishmania spp. are discussed. ELAP-ME demonstrated efficacy in murine infection models, particularly with the binomial BALB/c-Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis. Furthermore, it is proposed that the technological maturity of ELAP-ME be classified as Technology Readiness Level 4 (TLR 4) within the context of innovative drugs for American Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (ACL).

Comparing the net-energy balance of standalone photovoltaic-coupled electrolysis and photoelectrochemical hydrogen production.

Photovoltaic-coupled electrolysis (PV-E) and photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting are two options for storing solar energy as hydrogen. Understanding the requirements for achieving a positive energy balance over the lifetime of facilities using these technologies is important for ensuring sustainability. While neither technology has yet reached full commercialisation, they are also at very different technology readiness levels and scales of development. Here, we model the energy balance of standalone large-scale facilities to evaluate their energy return on energy invested (ERoEI) over time and energy payback time (EPBT). We find that for average input parameters based on present commercialised modules, a PV-E facility shows an EPBT of 6.2 years and ERoEI after 20 years of 2.1, which rises to approximately 3.7 with an EPBT of 2.7 years for favourable parameters using the best metrics amongst large-scale modules. The energy balance of PV-E facilities is influenced most strongly by the upfront embodied energy costs of the photovoltaic component. In contrast, the simulated ERoEI for a PEC facility made with earth abundant materials only peaks at 0.42 after 11 years and about 0.71 after 20 years for facilities with higher-performance active materials. Doubling the conversion efficiency to 10% and halving the degradation rate to 2% for a 10-year device lifetime can allow PEC facilities to achieve an ERoEI after 20 years of 2.1 for optimistic future parameters. We also estimate that recycling the materials used in hydrogen production technologies improves the energy balance by 28% and 14% for favourable-case PV-E and PEC water splitting facilities, respectively.

From single tests to a test-chain: A comprehensive approach for evaluating the interaction between the building envelope and the IEQ

In recent years building envelope systems have become increasingly more com-plex. Especially in high-performance low-carbon buildings, envelopes comprise several passive and active components such as advanced membranes, mechanical ventilation machines and integrated photovoltaics that must be mutually optimized to ensure a global elevated performance. One of the key expectations from these innovative envelopes is better capabilities of providing highly comfortable and healthy indoor environments while using as little energy as possible. However, the complexity of such envelopes poses two major challenges: (i) standard assessment procedures might not be usable to evaluate them either because these do not fully capture their potential or be-cause the complexity of product makes the standard test unfeasible, and (ii) multiple indoor environmental quality (IEQ) domains are simultaneously affected by these envelopes, and thus complementary tests in different domain are needed to ensure that a benefit in one domain does not lead to issues in others. For this reason, a test-chain for a thorough energy demand, indoor occupants’ comfort, and behaviour analysis performance has been implemented. It comprises a set of labs and additional simulation capabilities to study the building envelope-IEQ interaction at various technology readiness level. This paper provides an overview of the test-chain and its first application for the evaluation of a multifunctional façade. This façade includes a reversible air-to-air heat pump, a mechanical ventilation system, and openable windows, and aims at easing the achievement of the nZEB target while delivering elevated IEQ.

Key challenges in the advancement and industrialization of biobased and biodegradable plastics: a value chain overarching perspective.

At the International Symposium on Biodegradable Polymers (ISBP2022) in Sion, Switzerland, experts from academia and industry underscored the remarkable progress in biobased and biodegradable polymers (BBPs) since their initial commercialization around 50years ago. Despite significant advancements, the technology readiness level (TRL), market adoption, and industrialization of BBPs is not yet competitive to conventional plastics. In this perspective, we summarize the challenges and requirements for advancing the development and industrialization of BBPs, drawing insights from international experts coming from academia and industry, who had participated in the survey and podium discussion during the ISBP2022. In fact, BBPs grapple with persistent and emerging challenges throughout the value chain. These challenges can be grouped into four areas and involve i) the pursuit of sustainable feedstocks together with efficient production and downstream processes as well as recycling technologies and infrastructure; ii) meeting or revisiting product requirements by industry, markets, and consumers; iii) navigating a non-level playing field in their sustainability assessment (LCA) compared to conventional plastics; and iv) struggling with underdeveloped and partially biased policy and financial frameworks as well as lacking clear definitions, terminologies and communication.

Exploring disparities of teleconsultation readiness: A comparative analysis of healthcare facilities in Indonesia.

To investigate the implementation of teleconsultation and assess the level of readiness for its adoption among various types of healthcare facilities. This cross-sectional study involved medical doctors working in a public hospital, a private hospital, and community health centers in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. We recruited 29 medical specialists from various departments in two hospitals and 27 heads of community health centers. The readiness items were categorized into sections that encompassed various readiness areas such as core, technological, motivational, learning, work culture, and policy readiness. Data were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance and the Kruskal-Wallis test to evaluate differences in levels of readiness across healthcare facilities. A logistic regression analysis was conducted to further assess factors predicting the implementation of teleconsultation. Variations in technological readiness were observed between the community health centers and the public hospital (p = 0.006) and the private hospital (p = 0.007). Differences in learning readiness were found between the public hospitals and private hospitals (p = 0.01). There were also disparities in cultural readiness between the public hospital and the private hospital (p = 0.04) and between public hospital and community health centers (p = 0.01). Logistic regression revealed an association between technological readiness and the use of video teleconsultation (OR = 1.13; p = 0.017). The private hospital was more likely to implement video-based teleconsultation than was the public hospital (OR = 2.68; p = 0.003) or community health centers (OR = 3.13; p ≤ 0.001). Significant differences in technology readiness were identified among community health centers, public hospitals, and private hospitals. Future policy implementation should focus on customizing technology use and providing cultural training to help healthcare institutions with different technological readiness levels.

Sorting of Packaging Waste: a Framework to link Gripper Technologies and Waste Classes.

As sustainable manufacturing gains prominence, the importance of effective sorting of waste streams emerges. This study delves into robotic gripper selection, specifically for packaging waste handling and sorting. The paper starts with a 2-step approach to select a set of relevant robotic grippers that can handle the specific picking challenges of packaging waste. Specifically for a concrete multi-robot multi-gripper packaging waste sorting use case, a literature review is performed to identify the available gripper techniques and an initial gripper selection is made based on gripper integration requirements such as required robot degrees of freedom, safety and technology readiness level (TRL). Secondly, this work proposes a classification method for waste objects, considering, among others, their geometry, material, and surface structure. Subsequently, a framework for automated gripper allocation to waste objects is presented linking the selected gripper technologies and waste classes.

NDT Technologies for Post Tensioned Concrete: National Highways’ ‘Structures Moonshot’

The "Structures Moonshot" project - initiated by National Highways and led by Atkins, Jacobs, and supported by VSL - advances non-destructive testing (NDT) for highway structures, with a current focus on post-tensioned bridges and half joints. Launched in late 2022 and continuing until 2024, its vision to revolutionise asset management for vulnerable bridges, enabling better and more efficient data collection, leading to self-monitoring and self-diagnosis for National Highways’ most critical structures.The project comprises two phases. The first involves testing high Technology Readiness Level (TRL) NDT technologies on bridge sections from the dismantled A14 Huntingdon Viaduct. These are compared with the as-found physical conditions after hydro-demolition. The goal is to evaluate current NDT methodologies, identify areas for improvement, and enhance efficiencies in deployment.The second phase centers on developing low TRL NDT technologies tailored for post-tensioned bridges. This includes the use of guided wave technology, with the aims of enabling direct tendon deterioration measurements without intrusive inspections.Through the collaborative efforts involving National Highways, AtkinsRealis, Jacobs, VSL and the NDT supply chain engaged with the project, this work is leading to a better understanding of how we can determine the condition of post-tensioned bridges and half joints. The project will also provide valuable insights for future bridge inspections and structure maintenance works, enabling the development of clear training and guidance on optimal NDT deployment. This in turn will improve our overall asset management practices, ultimately leading to better safety of our structures and those using and maintaining them, and reducing disruption on our road networks.

The Intelligent Built-Environment as Cyber-Physical System

This thesis presents an alternative approach to intelligence in the built-environment, departing from the two established yet divergent branches in the discourse: the Technical, centered around Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), and represented by Ambient Intelligence (AmI) and Ambient Assisted Living (AAL); and the Architectural, centered around architectural / spatial experiences and considerations, and represented by Interactive Architecture and Adaptive Architecture. The promise of both AmI/AAL and IA/AA is constrained by rigid and increasingly outdated assumptions in their approaches—i.e., AmI’s / AAL’s approach to the built-environment, and IA’s / AA’s approach to ICTs. Moreover, it is impossible to combine them to yield a cohesive system due to disparity in their typical Technology Readiness Levels. That is, the sophistication of a system depends on that of its mutually complementing subsystems; and two or more subsystems may not mutually complement, sustain, and/or support one another if their levels of development do not correspond. Consequently, the presented alternative conceives the intelligent built-environment as a Cyber- Physical System. Under this approach, ICTs and Architectural considerations in conjunction instantiate intelligence fundamentally. The presented approach’s promise is illustrated via its application to a constrained use-case focused on the elderly. Twelve proof-of-concept demonstrators are developed based on key parameters pertaining to Indoor Environmental Quality and Quality of Life. While each demonstrator is presented as a discrete proof-of-concept, all build on the same core System Architecture and technological ecosystem, and are intended to be viewed as a collection of systems and services expressed within a same hypothetical environment.

Addressing preliminary challenges in upscaling the recovery of lithium from spent lithium ion batteries by the electrochemical method: a review.

The paramount importance of lithium (Li) nowadays and the mounting volume of untreated spent LIB have imposed pressure on innovators to tackle the near-term issue of Li resource depletion through recycling. The trajectory of research dedicated to recycling has skyrocketed in this decade, reflecting the global commitment to addressing the issues surrounding Li resources. Although metallurgical methods, such as pyro- and hydrometallurgy, are presently prevalent in Li recycling, they exhibit unsustainable operational characteristics including elevated temperatures, the utilization of substantial quantities of expensive chemicals, and the generation of emissions containing toxic gases such as Cl2, SO2, and NOx. Therefore, the alternative electrochemical method has gained growing attention, as it involves a more straightforward operation leveraging ion-selective features and employing water as the main reagent, which is seen as more environmentally benign. Despite this, intensive efforts are still required to advance the electrochemical method toward commercialisation. This review highlights the key points in the electrochemical method that demand attention, including the feasibility of a large-scale setup, consideration of the substantial volume of electrolyte consumption, the design of membranes with the desired features, a suitable layout of the membrane, and the absence of techno-economic assessments for the electrochemical method. The perspectives presented herein provide a crucial understanding of the challenges of advancing the technological readiness level of the electrochemical method.

From connectivity via intelligence toward sustainability? Maturity of shopfloor automation technology in the manufacturing industry

The manufacturing industry is experiencing a significant transformation driven by digital technologies, Industry 4.0 concepts, and the potential for sustainable practices. This research presents an overview of the manufacturing industry, focusing on the design of manufacturing systems, digital transformation, and sustainability, identifying the gap between technological advancements and their application in industrial settings. In order to examine this, a panel survey of 899 industrial participants was conducted. This analysis assesses the potential for automation and digital factory implementation alongside the dedication for sustainability in the manufacturing industry. The findings indicate that while research has advanced in these areas, practical applications in the manufacturing industry still lag behind, particularly in terms of technology readiness levels and data implementation for automation. This paper serves as a foundation for future research, providing insights into technologies ready for industrial implementation and identifying areas requiring further optimization and study. Therefore, a matrix is presented that aids in selecting or strategizing technology utilization during the design of manufacturing systems. However, this research primarily focused on technological aspects, recommending future research to explore the interplay between organizational, human related factors, and technology to design manufacturing systems successfully with respect to sustainability.

Feasibility of using 3D CZT drift strip detectors for small Compton camera space missions

This feasibility study explores the possibility of using 3D CZT drift strip detectors developed by DTU Space in a small Compton camera payload, with the primary objective of technology demonstration. We have defined a scalable mass model for the payload, comprising eight 3D CZT drift strip detectors surrounded by CsI scintillator detectors for active shielding. The payload's angular resolution, effective area, and efficiency are evaluated through simulations of far-field monochromatic point sources. The instrument's sensitivity is assessed in a low Earth orbit background environment fornuclear line and continuum emission sources.With a 3σ point source sensitivity in the order of 10-4 [ph/cm2/s], it is evident that such an instrument only allows for limited scientific goals. In-orbit simulations of bright sources are conducted, resulting in reasonable observation times for the Crab Nebula at a 5σ significance level. Furthermore, in-orbit simulations of a selection of bright gamma-ray bursts indicate the potential for observing bright transient events. The study underscores the potential of using 3D CZT drift strip detectors in Compton camera configurations but also highlights the need for a larger effective area to improve sensitivity. However, for a technology demonstration aimed at increasing the Technology Readiness Level of the 3D CZT drift strip detector, a small Compton camera configuration like the one presented in this study could be a viable solution.

Technology Readiness Level for the R&D Streaming of Phytomedicines: Proposal of a Framework for Nonclinical Stages

Technology Readiness Level for the R&D Streaming of Phytomedicines: Proposal of a Framework for Nonclinical Stages

THE KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE IN FINANCE TOWARD INVESTMENT PLANNING MOTIVE: THE MODERATION ROLE OF SELF-CONTROL

This research aims to examine the moderation of self control which affect investment planning motive on civil servants in Sidoarjo. The well executed financial management is not only managing financial income and daily needs, but it needs to be prepared for the future financial management if someday a person or individual needs more financial income. For example in the way to invest. Along with investment, an individual will get profits or benefits in the future. Analysis tool that is used in this research is questionnaire sheet that have already conveyed to 77 respondents and purposive sampling as the sampling approach. To examine the research hypothesis, the researcher use Partial Least Square (PLS) with Smart PLS software, version 3.2.7. The output of this research is an article within index SINTA (Science and Technology Index) 3 (third rank) journal, national seminar article, and intellectual property rights. Technology readiness level which is tragetted in the research is 1 – 4. The urgency in this study is because of the tendency of each individual nowdays, moreover they who have a family, generally have a financial purpose in the future. Nevertheless, there are pletiful people who can not fulfil their dream because of financial issues to achieve that financial goals.

Inactivation of waterborne Klebsiella pneumoniae with ozone to diminish the risk of hospital effluents using an absorption-based process

In this work, the inactivation of the waterborne antibiotic-resistance bacteria (ARB) Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) has been evaluated to reduce the health risk in hospital environments by using an absorption process employing an ozone gas stream generated by commercially available electro-ozonizers (MIKROZON® cell). The ozone mass flow generated in the gas stream ranges from 0.026 to 0.047 mg min−1 depending on the applied intensity (0.1, 0.25, or 0.5 A). The results show that the disinfection rate improves as the mass flow of ozone gas increases and is significantly influenced by the organic matter content of the target liquid solutions. Specifically, log reductions of 1, 4, and 6 were achieved at the end of the 180-min treatment of hospital urine when intensities of 0.1, 0.25, and 0.5 A were applied, respectively. In addition, the logarithmic removal of four Antibiotic Resistance Genes (ARGs) was investigated to control the spread of antibiotic resistance through horizontal transfer processes. Logarithmic removals of 5.43, 3.17, 3.04, and 2.89 were obtained for aac(6′)-Ib, blaTEM, blaSHV, and blaKPC, respectively, during the treatment of urine (0.047 mg min−1 of ozone gas). A comprehensive comparison of the removal of these four ARGs with other disinfection technologies is also provided. It can be concluded that this work presents promising results that have the potential to increase the technology readiness level of the MIKROZON® ozone generator, as it demonstrates the ability to enhance the disinfection process of highly organic liquid effluents.

HELIUM MARKET AND PROBLEMS OF EASTERN SIBERIA

Helium is a non-renewable natural resource that can act as an indicator of the development of innovation and economy in the countries of the world. In recent years, there have been significant changes in the global helium market: the 10 largest operators occupy up to 87.85 % of the global market. At the same time, their interests are primarily aimed at building new distribution centers and partnerships with owners of helium reserves.In Eastern Siberia, two large helium plants have been built at the Amur Gas Processing Plant and at the gas chemical project of Irkutsk Oil Company LLC, which is an example of a model for combining helium production and gas processing plants. At the same time, the strategic storage of helium is an important infrastructural nature and allows accumulating surpluses or, conversely, if necessary, covering peaks in demand or creating an excess of supply in the struggle for new sales markets.However, due to a complex of problems, these plants have not yet reached the industrial level. First of all, this is due to the refusal of foreign technology suppliers to cooperate in the conditions of sanctions. Only reliance on domestic technologies and equipment for the extraction, purification and liquefaction of helium can change the situation. At the same time, the level of manufacturers technological readiness of equipment manufactured in Russia, in general, allows to provide projects with critical and key equipment.A helium extraction facility is also being built in Yakutia by the Helium 24 Group of companies. The complex will be located on the Mirninsky district territory of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). It should be noted that for the project in Yakutia, natural gas with the highest helium content is used as a raw material in comparison with other projects in the Russian Federation.Large reserves and resources of hydrocarbons, combined with the territorial remoteness of the fields of Eastern Siberia, require significant investments for their development and involvement in operation.

Hydrogen-Based Energy Systems: Current Technology Development Status, Opportunities and Challenges

The use of hydrogen as an energy carrier within the scope of the decarbonisation of the world’s energy production and utilisation is seen by many as an integral part of this endeavour. However, the discussion around hydrogen technologies often lacks some perspective on the currently available technologies, their Technology Readiness Level (TRL), scope of application, and important performance parameters, such as energy density or conversion efficiency. This makes it difficult for the policy makers and investors to evaluate the technologies that are most promising. The present study aims to provide help in this respect by assessing the available technologies in which hydrogen is used as an energy carrier, including its main challenges, needs and opportunities in a scenario in which fossil fuels still dominate global energy sources but in which renewables are expected to assume a progressively vital role in the future. The production of green hydrogen using water electrolysis technologies is described in detail. Various methods of hydrogen storage are referred, including underground storage, physical storage, and material-based storage. Hydrogen transportation technologies are examined, taking into account different storage methods, volume requirements, and transportation distances. Lastly, an assessment of well-known technologies for harnessing energy from hydrogen is undertaken, including gas turbines, reciprocating internal combustion engines, and fuel cells. It seems that the many of the technologies assessed have already achieved a satisfactory degree of development, such as several solutions for high-pressure hydrogen storage, while others still require some maturation, such as the still limited life and/or excessive cost of the various fuel cell technologies, or the suitable operation of gas turbines and reciprocating internal combustion engines operating with hydrogen. Costs below 200 USD/kWproduced, lives above 50 kh, and conversion efficiencies approaching 80% are being aimed at green hydrogen production or electricity production from hydrogen fuel cells. Nonetheless, notable advances have been achieved in these technologies in recent years. For instance, electrolysis with solid oxide cells may now sometimes reach up to 85% efficiency although with a life still in the range of 20 kh. Conversely, proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) working as electrolysers are able to sometimes achieve a life in the range of 80 kh with efficiencies up to 68%. Regarding electricity production from hydrogen, the maximum efficiencies are slightly lower (72% and 55%, respectively). The combination of the energy losses due to hydrogen production, compression, storage and electricity production yields overall efficiencies that could be as low as 25%, although smart applications, such as those that can use available process or waste heat, could substantially improve the overall energy efficiency figures. Despite the challenges, the foreseeable future seems to hold significant potential for hydrogen as a clean energy carrier, as the demand for hydrogen continues to grow, particularly in transportation, building heating, and power generation, new business prospects emerge. However, this should be done with careful regard to the fact that many of these technologies still need to increase their technological readiness level before they become viable options. For this, an emphasis needs to be put on research, innovation, and collaboration among industry, academia, and policymakers to unlock the full potential of hydrogen as an energy vector in the sustainable economy.

Biodiesel from Bark and Black Liquor—A Techno-Economic, Social, and Environmental Assessment

A techno-economic assessment and environmental and social sustainability assessments of novel Fischer–Tropsch (FT) biodiesel production from the wet and dry gasification of biomass-based residue streams (bark and black liquor from pulp production) for transport applications are presented. A typical French kraft pulp mill serves as the reference case and large-scale biofuel-production-process integration is explored. Relatively low greenhouse gas emission levels can be obtained for the FT biodiesel (total span: 16–83 g CO2eq/MJ in the assessed EU countries). Actual process configuration and low-carbon electricity are critical for overall performance. The site-specific social assessment indicates an overall positive social effect for local community, value chain actors, and society. Important social aspects include (i) job creation potential, (ii) economic development through job creation and new business opportunities, and (iii) health and safety for workers. For social risks, the country of implementation is important. Heat and electricity use are the key contributors to social impacts. The estimated production cost for biobased crude oil is about 13 €/GJ, and it is 14 €/GJ (0.47 €/L or 50 €/MWh) for the FT biodiesel. However, there are uncertainties, i.e., due to the low technology readiness level of the gasification technologies, especially wet gasification. However, the studied concept may provide substantial GHG reduction compared to fossil diesel at a relatively low cost.

Toward Large-Scale Production of Solid-State Batteries: Manufacturing Process Analysis and Cost Assessment for the Composite Cathode

In 2022 the lithium-ion battery (LIB) price has increased for the first time since its commercialization while LIBs are approaching their physicochemical energy limits.1,2 Therefore, next-generation or post LIB concepts are being intensively researched, solid-state batteries (SSBs) being evaluated to be among the most promising.3 While companies are already announcing ambitious large-scale production plans for SSBs, academic SSB research is still mainly confined to the laboratory-scale.4 The number of studies regarding SSB material scale-up, large-scale manufacturing or cost calculations is very limited.This work aims to address some of the named research gaps and reduce the knowledge gap between academia and industry. Particularly, the scaled cathode production and its cost assessment for sulfidic and oxidic SSBs are regarded. Therefor, suitable materials and processing pathways for giga-scale production of the composite cathode were ascertained by aggregating the data from a literature review, a patent analysis and expert interviews. Further, the cathode production cost was calculated by adapting the cost model of Duffner et al. (2021).5 Regarding the processing of sulfide-based SSB cathodes a wet and a dry production route is being distinguished . The wet route contains the identical process steps, as already established in LIB production, hence a quick adoption and rapid scale-up is feasible, which is expressed in the technology readiness level (TRL) of 6, the highest of all observed processes. However, challenges regarding densification and solvent compatibility must be solved beforehand. The dry route omits solvent compatibility problems. Next to equivalent challenges with densification, the scale-up of the newly implemented steps ‘dry mixing’ and ‘dry coating’ is currently limiting the large-scale potential, which is reflected in a lower TRL of 4. The scale-up of the oxidic SSB cathode production is still in its infancy (TRL 4), associated with limited processing know-how. The overall process chain will be similar to LIB production, but with the addition of a final co-sintering step, which is also the biggest barrier toward scale-up. Sintering process innovations are evaluated as promising by experts and could potentially enable low-cost, high throughput processing, but are still far from industrial scale.Cost calculations revealed that in the basic scenario, assuming a giga-scale production with state-of-the-art materials (cathode active material: NMC811, catholyte: Li6PS5Cl/Li7La3Zr2O12) while considering ascertained challenges, both SSB electrodes show significantly higher production cost than the LIB equivalent. Particularly, oxide-based cathodes show about three times the production cost of LIB cathodes (Figure 1a). By overcoming material and process challenges significant cost reductions are possible as simulated in an optimized future scenario (Figure 1b). The cost difference of LIB and oxidic SSB cathodes reduces to 16% and the dry process for sulfide-based cathodes even results in cost parity (~ 44 $ kWh1), showing the potential for cost competitiveness. The biggest drivers towards cost reduction are the increase of the cathode active material share and decreased prices of the solid electrolyte. On the process-level especially optimized mixing and drying for the sulfide-based cathode and a reduction of the sintering temperature below 500 °C for the oxide-based cathode lead to significant cost reductions. References J. Liu, Z. Bao, Y. Cui, E. J. Dufek, J. B. Goodenough, P. Khalifah, Q. Li, B. Y. Liaw, P. Liu, A. Manthiram, Y. S. Meng, V. R. Subramanian, M. F. Toney, V. V. Viswanathan, M. S. Whittingham, J. Xiao, W. Xu, J. Yang, X.-Q. Yang and J.-G. Zhang, Nat Energy, 4(3), 180–186 (2019).BloombergNEF, Lithium-ion Battery Pack Prices Rise for First Time to an Average of $151/kWh | BloombergNEF, https://about.bnef.com/blog/lithium-ion-battery-pack-prices-rise-for-first-time-to-an-average-of-151-kwh/ (2022). J. Janek and W. G. Zeier, Nat Energy, 8(3), 230–240 (2023). T. Schmaltz, T. Wicke, L. Weymann, P. Voß, C. Neef and A. Thielmann (2022).F. Duffner, L. Mauler, M. Wentker, J. Leker and M. Winter, International Journal of Production Economics, 232, 107982 (2021). Figure 1

Electrochemical Phosphorous Recovery from Wastewater: Modeling & Scale-up Considerations

The prospect of electrifying the recovery of valuable nutrients from waste streams is of great interest in the effort of reducing the overall energy consumption and environmental impact of nutrient usage. Currently, many electrochemical precipitation technologies exist, and some have shown energy consumption values on par with implemented nutrient recovery technologies (both gravimetric for specified products and volumetric for waste stream handling). However, electrochemical precipitation technologies are at low-to-intermediate Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) and need to be optimized and scaled to determine the feasibility of implementing them industrially. This presentation discusses necessary considerations for modeling and scaling electrochemical precipitation technologies from the perspective of phosphorus (P) recovery.Two specific modeling tools were used to study P recovery as struvite. Mass transport and electrochemical phenomenon were modeled using COMSOL within a stirred batch reactor format. The COMSOL modelling yields valuable information about limiting conditions, spatial distribution of dissolved species concentrations, and the effects of various reactor conditions (e.g., stirring or applied potential). Next, the precipitation of struvite under various solution conditions is discussed with respect to a thermodynamic model of precipitation developed using OLI Flowsheets. The precipitation study is then discussed with respect to modeled reactor conditions to ascertain information relevant to scaling electrochemical P precipitation. Figures of Merit (FOM) useful in scaling electrochemical reactions are highlighted to alleviate the dependence on the reactor design used for modelling, enabling a transfer of information to other reactor formats.