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Ion diffusion in redox-active macrocyclic organic electrode materials

Project description

Ion diffusion in molecular organic electrode materials

Conventional lithium-ion batteries rely on limited resources such as cobalt and nickel, creating a need for sustainable alternatives. Organic compounds, which are abundant and can be sourced sustainably, show promise in battery technology, particularly for multivalent batteries. However, their often tightly packed structure presents challenges for ion transport. With support from the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the MacroRedox project will investigate ion diffusion in molecular organic electrode materials using macrocycles with intrinsic porosity as model systems for next-generation electrodes. These molecules, featuring large nanopores and the capacity to undergo multiple redox processes, are ideal for studying ion diffusion. The research aims to deepen our understanding of ion diffusion and provide essential design principles for these materials.

Objective

Society has witnessed a rapid development of energy storage materials as a result of the increasing demand caused by electrification of transport and commercialization of portable electronics. Conventional, widely used lithium-ion batteries rely on transition-metal oxides (Co, Ni) used to manufacture positive electrodes; unfortunately, depletion of the Li, Co and Ni sources is inevitable and there is an urgent need for alternatives based on abundant, green and cheap materials. Organic compounds are composed of earth-abundant elements (C, N, O, S, H), and, in principle, can be accessed from renewable resources using greener methods. Organic batteries by far outperform inorganics in post-lithium battery technologies, especially in case of multivalent batteries, where they currently offer the most realistic possibility of commercialization. However, organic battery materials have many drawbacks, one of them being the fact that they are amorphous and lack ion-diffusion pathways. The goal of the research project is to investigate the fundamental processes of ion diffusion in molecular organic electrode materials with intrinsic porosity. The compounds will be investigated as model systems for next-generation organic electrode materials. The proposed molecules possess large nanopores in the structures, can stabilize charges through conjugation, and can undergo several redox processes, which makes them perfect candidates as model systems to explore ion diffusion. This project will benefit from a wealth of experience in organic synthesis and the exploration of redox properties of macrocyclic molecules accumulated by the Fellow, Dr. Wojciech Stawski, and combined with the expertise of Prof. Birgit Esser in battery research, which will lead to a deep understanding of ion-diffusion processes in those materials and provide design principles for their preparation.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

Keywords

Programme(s)

Topic(s)

Funding Scheme

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

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Call for proposal

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

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Coordinator

UNIVERSITAET ULM
Net EU contribution
€ 202 125,12
Address
HELMHOLTZSTRASSE 16
89081 Ulm
Germany
Region
Baden-Württemberg Tübingen Ulm, Stadtkreis
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Links
Total cost
No data