Project description
Boosting energy storage with zinc-air innovation
The shift to renewable energy is vital, but solar and wind power’s intermittent nature makes energy storage crucial. Zinc-air flow batteries (ZAFBs) are a promising solution due to their high energy density and affordability. However, issues like zinc dendrite formation and by-product build-up limit their efficiency. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the ZAIRWAYS project is tackling these challenges by integrating high-entropy alloys (HEAs) into ZAFB cathodes. With their unique mix of elements, HEAs enhance battery performance, improving discharge duration and cycling stability. Using a synthesis method, the project aims to refine HEAs for real-world energy storage. ZAIRWAYS is paving the way for a sustainable energy future.
Objective
The global transition from fossil fuels to sustainable energy sources is crucial to address the current energy crisis and environmental challenges. However, renewable sources like solar and wind are intermittent, making energy storage solutions critical. Zinc-air flow batteries (ZAFBs) have emerged as promising candidates for long-duration energy storage due to their high energy density, safety, and low cost. Yet, challenges such as zinc dendrite formation and byproduct accumulation in conventional systems limit their efficiency and lifespan.
The ZAIRWAYS project aims to revolutionize ZAFB technology by incorporating High-entropy alloys (HEAs) into the cathode design (catholyte tank). HEAs, with their unique combination of five or more elements, offer exceptional structural integrity and electrochemical properties, making them ideal candidates for enhancing the oxygen reduction and evolution reactions in ZAFBs. By optimizing HEAs, ZAIRWAYS will address critical issues such as discharge duration and cycling stability, paving the way for a new generation of sustainable energy storage systems.
State-of-the-art research has explored HEAs for electrochemical applications, but their use in mediated oxygen reduction reactions (ORR) within ZAFBs still needs to be explored. This project, with its unique focus on synthesizing HEAs using a colloidal surfactant-free (CSF) method and testing their performance in real-world ZAFB systems, is of significant importance. Planned secondments with industrial partners will ensure the practical application of this research.
The expected impact on the fellow includes the development of cutting-edge skills in advanced materials synthesis, energy storage technology, and collaborative research. This project will foster interdisciplinary expertise, enhance career prospects, and contribute to the fellow’s growth as a leader in sustainable energy research.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences chemical sciences inorganic chemistry transition metals
- engineering and technology environmental engineering energy and fuels
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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.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
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.
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-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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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) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01
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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.
8000 Aarhus C
Denmark
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.