The SoloBat project is set against a backdrop of urgent global challenges—namely climate change and the energy crisis—that demand sustainable energy solutions. Traditional energy sources, rooted in fossil fuels, are rapidly depleting and contributing significantly to environmental pollution and climate change, undermining future societal resilience. In response, the European Union has committed to transitioning towards a decarbonized energy system, as outlined in the European Green Deal, aiming for climate neutrality by 2050.
Li-ion batteries (LIBs) play a crucial role in this energy transition due to their efficiency and ability to support renewable energy storage and electrified transport. However, further advances are needed to enhance sustainability and performance. In this context, oxygen-mediated Li-organic batteries represent an innovative direction with potential for self-rechargeability using ambient oxygen. This builds on early-stage work by Poizot et al., who proposed a primary Li-organic battery concept capable of chemical recharge through air exposure. Yet, the limitations of reversibility and cycling stability have hindered its practical application.
SoloBat's main objectives are to transform this initial concept into a rechargeable system capable of over 300 cycles, termed as an oxygen-mediated, self-rechargeable organic battery. This will involve addressing key challenges including the accumulation of oxygen reduction products, the identification of reaction chemistry, and the prevention of anode degradation. The project will achieve these aims through an interdisciplinary approach encompassing organic chemistry, catalysis, and advanced electrochemical analysis.
By realizing a robust, rechargeable SoloBat system, the project expects to contribute significantly to the EU's strategic goals of energy decarbonization, aligning with Horizon 2020 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The outcomes could establish new paradigms in sustainable battery technology, reduce dependence on non-renewable resources, and foster economic growth through innovative energy solutions.
