In search of the coveted safer, better, longer-lasting battery: BatteryNL kicks off
On the 12th of January a large number of parties involved in the development of batteries in the Netherlands – small companies, multinationals and knowledge institutes – attended the kick off of the BatteryNL consortium. Their goal is to develop the next generation of batteries within eight years based on a better understanding of material interfaces.
Safer and higher density batteries
BatteryNL is aiming to develop the next generation of batteries that are safer, have higher energy densities and have a longer life-cycle – all of which are crucial for a society based on sustainable energy sources.
Marnix Wagemaker, TU Delft: “We develop materials for next generation batteries that are safer, environmentally benign and have higher performances, necessary to stabilize the future power grid and exploit the advantages of electrical mobility.”
The heart of the batteries investigated and improved
Drawing on unique Dutch expertise, the consortium will investigate and improve the heart of these highly coveted batteries – the electrode-electrolyte interface – using scalable technologies.
Adriana Creatore, Eindhoven University of Technology: “We couple exciting science to unravel the processes at the interface cathode/electrolyte and electrolyte/anode with thin film-based, upscalable interface engineering towards high energy density, safe and cost-effective batteries.”
Pivotal role in the development of future battery technology
To facilitate the social integration of these technological breakthroughs, the social and economic impact will be evaluated in close collaboration with various stakeholders. In doing so, this consortium of experts, small companies, multinationals and social organisations will pave the way for Dutch parties to play a pivotal role in the development of future battery technology.
Mark Huijben, University of Twente: “Mastering control of the electrode-electrolyte interface is the grand challenge for next-generation batteries, as exceptional energy capacities need to be combined with elimination of any capacity loss over time.”
Kick off Battery NL
During the meeting all work packages (WPs) were presented by their leaders:
- WP1: 2-dimensional Li-ion battery model systems: understanding interface reactions and strategies towards stable interfaces, Mark Huijben
- WP2: Development of Interface Strategies and translation from 2D to 3D, Petra de Jongh
- WP3: Operando Characterization, Moniek Tromp
- WP4: Upscaling strategies for interface engineered battery materials, Mahmoud Ameen
- WP5: Safety, Performance and integration, Erik Kelder
- WP6: Socio- and Techno-economic Studies, Bob van der Zwaan
- WP7: Battery NL network, collaboration and outreach, Marnix Wagemaker
- WP8: Project management, Ingrid de Haer
All parties aligned: from academia up to start-ups
BatteryNL consists of experts within academics, high-tech startups, multinationals and societal partners. Next to the initiators, Delft University of Technology, University of Twente, Eindhoven University of Technology, Utrecht University and University of Groningen, the consortium consists of University of Amsterdam, TNO, Holst Centre, Hogeschool Rotterdam, Hogeschool Utrecht, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, Fontys University of Applied Sciences, Delft IMP, E-magy, Euro Support, LeydenJar, Lionvolt, LithiumWerks, PTG/e, Shell, SALD, VSParticle, Air Liquide, Forschungszentrum Jülich, MEET Battery Research Centre, ANWB, DNV, Durapower, EnergyStorageNL, InnoEnergy, New Energy Coalition, RAI, Solvis, VDL. BatteryNL represents the top academic universities and Universities of Applied Sciences active in battery research in the Netherlands. The academic partners are experts in battery and interface materials/chemistry and characterisation methodologies (especially during battery operation). Prof. M. (Marnix) Wagemaker (TU Delft - Faculty of Applied Sciences) is the project leader of the €9.3 million project funded by NWO-ORC (project number NWA.1389.20.089).
Petra de Jongh, Utrecht University: “The development of better batteries fits perfectly into our sustainability-related research at Utrecht University’s Debye Institute. With our expertise in designing and understanding new materials, we will enable the translation from 2D to 3D: from the atomic scale to the nanoscale.”
Research, education and valorisation
Furthermore the Universities of Applied Sciences developed Centres of Expertise on sustainability and energy transition, specifically targeting the role of batteries, where research and education meet and where results can be valorised and utilised. The involvement of companies in the consortium will help generate a higher impact by enabling implementation of the successful technologies on a larger scale in battery systems, eventually contributing to a more sustainable society. The most relevant national stakeholders in mobility and electric cars, both civil society stakeholders and companies take part in Battery NL.
Moniek Tromp, University of Groningen: “Next to the novel materials and advanced (characterisation) methods we will develop, the project has already initiated the start of a Dutch Battery ecosystem, incl. the many diverse stakeholders, crucial for the energy transition and the position and role of the Netherlands within that.”
