Skip to main content
Go to the home page of the European Commission (opens in new window)
English en
CORDIS - EU research results
CORDIS

MXene-Driven Sodium Sulfur Batteries for Next-Generation Electric Vehicles

Project description

Advancing sodium-sulfur batteries for electric vehicles

The shift to electric vehicles (EVs) is vital for reducing emissions, but current battery technologies face limits in cost, safety and longevity. Sodium-sulfur batteries (NaSBs) are a promising alternative, yet issues like polysulphide shuttling and dendrite formation hinder their performance. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the MXNASB project aims to overcome these barriers using MXene-modified electrodes. A sustainable HF-free synthesis method will produce MXene-based cathodes that effectively trap polysulphides, enhancing electrochemical stability, while Ti₂CTₓ-modified anodes will inhibit sodium dendrite growth, improving safety and lifespan. Collaborating with experts in Ireland and Sweden, MXNASB will combine advanced electrochemical techniques with scalable design strategies to develop a next-generation NaSB platform, accelerating the transition to cleaner, more sustainable EV technologies.

Objective

Electric vehicles (EVs) are a cornerstone of the European Commission's climate strategy, aiming to reduce emissions and transition to a low-carbon economy across Europe. This project focuses on developing high-performance sodium-sulfur batteries (NaSBs) for EVs using advanced MXene-modified electrodes. The key innovation is the eradication of hydrofluoric acid etching by HF-free direct synthesis of Ti₃C2Tₓ MXene-modified cathode material, allowing precise control over morphology and sulfur (-S) incorporation at the termination. This approach mitigates the polysulfide shuttle effect, enhances energy storage capacity, and targets a capacity exceeding 400 mAh/g with a cycle life of over 500 cycles. On the anode side, the project strategically addresses the critical issue of dendrite formation in Na metal anodes modified by utilizing Ti2CTₓ MXene, which improves safety and longevity. The project will employ half-cell and full-cell testing to optimize the electrochemical performance, while in-situ electrochemical analysis will monitor real-time behavior of the anode and cathode during cycling. This will provide crucial insights into how MXene modifications enhance energy density, cycling stability, and overall battery life. The project will be carried out in collaboration with leading research groups in Ireland and Sweden, providing access to cutting-edge facilities and expertise. This fellowship offers the opportunity to work with prominent experts in battery technology, fostering international collaboration and personal development as an independent researcher. The ultimate goal is to deliver a scalable, high-performance NaSB solution that can significantly impact the future of EV battery technology.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

Keywords

Programme(s)

Topic(s)

Funding Scheme

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

See all projects funded under this funding scheme

Call for proposal

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

See all projects funded under this call

Coordinator

UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK
Net EU contribution
€ 335 710,80
Address
NATIONAL TECHNOLOGICAL PARK, PLASSEY
- Limerick
Ireland
Region
Ireland Southern Mid-West
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Links
Total cost
No data

Partners (2)