Project description
Towards next generation metal batteries
Electrodeposition is a process used in various industries to deposit a layer of material onto a conductive substrate using an electric current. Despite appearing homogeneous to the naked eye, deposited metal surfaces exhibit intricate nanoscale morphology, often forming dendritic structures. This clearly underscores the importance of controlling metal growth at the nanoscale. Funded by the European Research Council, the NanoDep project aims to address this challenge by developing nano-structured electrolyte systems to regulate ionic processes. Given that the efficacy of electrodeposition is crucial for advanced technologies, molecular engineering and project deliverables will pave the way for next generation high-energy metal batteries.
Objective
"Even though electrodeposition processes have been used since the nineteenth century, it is remarkably challenging to control their behaviour on the nanoscale. To the naked eye, deposited metal surface appears homogeneous, yet their morphology at the nanoscale is anything but smooth, with ramified metal structures (dendrites) forming on their surface. The utility of electrodeposition for advanced technologies such as NextGen high-energy metal batteries is proportional to our ability to control metal growth at the nanoscale. In theory, this requirement may be accomplished through nanoscale control over ionic processes. Due to lack of appropriate material systems, it appears that examining and validating this hypothesis, much less meeting its requirements, is currently beyond reach. NanoDep envisions a future in which these requirements are met by the development of nano-structured electrolyte systems with well-ordered conductive and nonconductive nanodomains. Our early results suggest that we may be able to completely prevent uncontrolled dendritic formation by designing structured electrolytes that allow nanoscale regulation over local ionic transport processes. The goals of NanoDep are to (1) uncover the behaviour of uncontrolled nanoscale electrodeposition processes within nano-structured electrolytes, (2) prevent them, and (3) apply these newly acquired insights to the construction of a ""real-world"" system. To accomplish these goals, we will develop a novel in-situ electrochemical platform for investigating the spatiotemporal electrodeposition behaviour in well-ordered nano-structured model electrolytes. The model system insights and guidelines will be translated into ""real-world"" macroscale batteries using advanced molecular engineering and self-assembly methods. The successful development of well-ordered nano-structured electrolytes represents an important step toward NextGen high-energy metal batteries based on fully regulated electrodeposition processes."
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
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.
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-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2023-STG
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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.
91904 JERUSALEM
Israel
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.