Fire-safe and bio-based polymer electrolytes for new generation lithium-sulfur batteries

Project Information

SAFE-BIOBATT

Grant agreement ID: 101151807

DOI

10.3030/101151807

EC signature date 3 May 2024

Start date 1 February 2025

End date 31 January 2027

Funded under

• Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)

Total cost

No data

EU contribution

€ 165 312,96

Coordinated by

FUNDACION IMDEA MATERIALES
Spain

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - SAFE-BIOBATT (Fire-safe and bio-based polymer electrolytes for new generation lithium-sulfur batteries)

Reporting period: 2025-02-01 to 2027-01-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The project is based on three main objectives that are described below and the progress achieved in each one.
Objective 1 focused on developing Car-based solid electrolytes for solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries (SSLSBs) with high ionic conductivity and understanding lithium-ion transport mechanisms. Despite successful fabrication of uniform films with good mechanical integrity, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy revealed extremely high impedance and poor ionic conductivity at room temperature. Increasing LiTFSI content and applying thermal treatment did not significantly improve performance. These findings indicate that Car is unsuitable as a standalone matrix for solid-state electrolytes.
Objective 2 aimed to synthesize cross-linked bio-based polymer electrolytes with enhanced mechanical strength and fire safety. The development of PEO–Car interpenetrating network (IPN) electrolytes proved promising. The IPN maintained ionic conductivity similar to pure PEO while improving mechanical strength. Car integration did not hinder ion transport, and conductivity increased with temperature, confirming that the PEO-rich phase remained the main ion-conducting pathway. These results highlight the IPN approach as an effective strategy for creating robust polymer electrolytes.
Objective 3 sought to evaluate mechanisms for suppressing LiSP dissolution and dendrite growth and to produce high-performance SSLSBs. However, this objective was not achieved due to early project termination.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The overview of the work performed and the main achievements across the project till the termination are described below.

In WP1, the fellow received guidance from the project manager and supervisor on project initiation and research strategies, while the lab manager ensured safety and security training. Additionally, the fellow was trained on specialized laboratory equipment, enabling adherence to lab protocols and delivery of two presentations during group meetings. A key milestone was partially achieved with the submission and EU approval of Deliverable D1.1 (Data Management Plan).

In WP2, the progress was limited, with communication primarily occurring within the host institute’s seminars. Despite the absence of external dissemination due to early-stage results, constructive exchanges with group members facilitated new strategic directions from the supervisor. Deliverable D1.2 (Career Development Plan) was successfully submitted and approved by the EU.

In WP3, initial experiments revealed that Car-based electrolytes exhibited poor conductivity, even at elevated temperatures, deeming Car unsuitable as a standalone matrix. To address this, an innovative PEO–Car interpenetrating network (IPN) was developed, maintaining PEO’s high conductivity while enhancing mechanical strength and reducing interfacial resistance. Temperature evaluations confirmed improved conductivity at higher temperatures, marking a significant advancement in bio-based electrolyte design. However, final performance tests for solid-state batteries were not completed due to early project termination.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

There have not been results beyond the stat of the art due to the early termination of the project.