Identification number: LZP-2025/1-0659
Type: Latvian Council of Science Fundamental and Applied Research project
Duration: 01.01.2026. - 31.12.2028.
Project Leader: Dr. phys. Gints Kučinskis, Institute of Solid State Physics University of Latvia (ISSP UL)
Total funding: 300 000 EUR
Project summary:
This project focuses on the development of high energy density cathode for sodium-ion batteries (SIB), and its preparation via sustainable, water-based, and volatile organic compound (VOC)-free electrode process. P2-type Na2/3MO2 Na-ion battery cathode materials will be synthesized (M – transition metal; initially Mn, with the addition of Ni and (co-)doping of Mg, Al, Li and similar). Inert surface coatings (initially Al2O3, MgO, or SiO2) will be applied via an easily scalable wet-chemical technique. Water-based electrode processing will be developed for the optimized materials. Advanced characterization will be performed to elucidate the degradation mechanisms, such as oxygen evolution, surface phase transitions, and SEI formation as a function of material optimization. ≥600 Wh/kg for cathode material, ≥180 Wh/kg on stack level, ≥1000 full charge-discharge cycles until SoH=80% for the cathode in full-cells and a water-based electrode preparation process that avoids the use of VOCs and per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS) are the main results of the project and will be demonstrated in full SIB cells. Results will enable the development of truly sustainable SIBs based on abundant materials and without environmentally harmful or toxic binders while at the same time pushing the fundamental knowledge on degradation pathways. Performance that is beyond state-of-the-art will be achieved, thus positioning SIB as trully sustainable alternative energy storage technology.