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BioZincPower: Pioneering sustainable energy storage with biopolymer-based zinc-ion systems

Project description

Flexible, non-combustive and cost-effective zinc-ion devices to transform energy storage

Zinc-ion rechargeable systems are attracting attention as a safer, more sustainable alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries owing to their high capacity, affordability and environmental friendliness. However, factors like electrolyte leakage, rigid construction and reliance on synthetic materials hinder their widespread adoption. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the BioZincPower project plans to develop efficient, safe, flexible and eco-friendly zinc-ion energy storage devices using biopolymers. These molecules will be converted into specialised components such as active materials, binders and gel electrolytes. Project activities could help overcome performance and environmental limitations concerning lithium-ion batteries, while also paving the way for wearable energy systems.

Objective

We stand on the brink of a significant energy transition, marked by the phasing out of coal, the rise of electromobility, and the increasing reliance on renewable energy sources. Li-ion batteries (LIBs) and electric double-layer capacitors (EDLCs) are pivotal in driving this technological shift, dominating the commercial power supply market and powering a wide range of applications. However, these conventional energy storage solutions are not without their drawbacks, including concerns over operational safety, rising production costs, potential scarcity of natural resources, and challenges related to universal waste disposal.
Zn-ion rechargeable power sources, encompassing both batteries and supercapacitors, present a compelling alternative to traditional LIBs and EDLCs. This emerging technology boasts several advantages, including high gravimetric and volumetric theoretical capacities, affordability, enhanced safety, and environmental sustainability. Despite these benefits, zinc-ion systems face significant hurdles that impede their widespread adoption for commercial applications. These challenges include the need for optimized electrode designs, the risk of liquid electrolyte leakage, rigid construction, and the reliance on synthetic polymer-based components.
The BioZincPower project seeks to address these challenges by pioneering the development of biopolymer-based Zn-ion systems. This research will focus on transforming biopolymers into specialized components such as active materials, binders, and gel electrolytes, and integrating them into zinc-ion energy storage devices. This innovative approach promises to deliver a technology that is efficient, safe, cost-effective, non-combustive, flexible, and environmentally sustainable. The project will emphasize overcoming the performance and environmental limitations associated with LIBs while also exploring the potential for wearable energy storage solutions through cutting-edge biobased technological advancements.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Keywords

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01

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Coordinator

KATHOLIEKE UNIVERSITEIT LEUVEN
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 216 240,00
Address
OUDE MARKT 13
3000 LEUVEN
Belgium

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Region
Vlaams Gewest Prov. Vlaams-Brabant Arr. Leuven
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

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