Electrocoordination chemistry of s-block elements in organic media for future batteries (ECOBAT)

Batteries are one of the key enabling technologies for the transition to a climate-neutral society by 2050.
However, the incumbent lithium-ion-battery technology is reaching its limits in terms of performance metrics
and cost reduction, while also depending on several critical raw materials. These limitations fuel the
development of future battery types, including Metal-Anode Batteries (MABs) based on monovalent or divalent,
earth-abundant cations. ECOBAT’s objective is to provide new knowledge and materials to build, test and
compare the performance metrics of different s-block elements in MABs and identify the common elements
governing the bulk, interface and solvation properties of s-block MABs. More specifically, ECOBAT aims to
understand the effect of the solvent and salt anion on reversible metal deposition and metal-ion intercalation in
MABs using a single type of cathode materials. The relationship between the first coordination sphere and the
electrochemical properties of the metal ions in organic media will be ultimately established. ECOBAT unites 5
experts in the domain of high-performance organic cathodes, efficient metal anode utilization, advanced
electrolytes, combining both experimental and computational theoretical chemistry approaches. Comprising
two ERC Grantees, the team will trigger new scientific findings on the electro-coordination chemistry of s-block
elements, paving the way for next-generation batteries based on earth-abundant elements.