BATTERY 2030+ | Strategies for high-performance energy storage
European research initiative BATTERY 2030+ presents roadmap for the development of the next battery generations
Batteries are a key factor on the way to a climate-neutral society. New, even more powerful electrochemical energy storage systems are expected to give a boost to electromobility in particular. In order to bundle the forces for this in Europe, research institutions from nine countries are working together in the BATTERY 2030+ initiative to develop the next battery generations. It will combine superior performance, sustainability, safety and economic efficiency.
In addition to Helmholtz Institute Münster (HI MS), the initiative consortium includes the MEET Battery Research Center and 15 other research institutions from all over Europe. With the support of its members, the BATTERY 2030+ consortium has designed a roadmap to develop the batteries of the future and make them ready-to-market. To this end, the initiatives – like HI MS and MEET – are pursuing a holistic and interdisciplinary research approach. "Only if we coordinate all components and processes down to the smallest detail can we make the super battery a reality. This also includes integrating new technologies into research. Artificial intelligence (AI) and High Throughput Research, for example, will in future provide us with even greater support in identifying new materials and components for high-performance energy storage systems," says Prof. Dr. Martin Winter, Director of HI MS and MEET.
Three strategic main topics
The roadmap of BATTERY 2030+ is based on three pillars:
1. Accelerated discovery of battery interfaces and materials
In order to find suitable materials quicker and more efficiently, a digital, AI-supported development platform called Materials Acceleration Platform (MAP) is being set up. In the future, it will combine powerful methods for high-throughput synthesis and characterization with computer-aided material development and automated data analysis. In addition, there is the so-called Battery Interface Genome (BIG), which is specifically geared towards electrochemical interphases and is intended to help to better understand their function and composition. This is important because these interphases are formed in every battery and have a considerable influence on its function. Prof. Dr. Andreas Heuer from HI MS is also engaged in this pillar.
2. Integration of smart functionalities
The aim is to counteract the ageing process of the battery. Thus, novel sensor technology is to be integrated into the battery cell, which initiates unwanted side reactions and corresponding measures for self-healing of damage inside the battery.
3. Cross-cutting areas
Modern manufacturing and recycling processes for batteries are on the agenda as cross-cutting areas. This is because the individual components should be used as long and as efficiently as possible. The results generated here are to be used primarily for further material development.
The complete roadmap can be found here and the project at a glance can be seen in the film here.