Synthesis and early-stage lIfe-cycle assessment of recyclable organic cathodes (SYNERGISTIC)

• Applicants: Professor Dr. Jens Leker; Professor Dr. Klaus Meerholz
• Subject Area: Preparatory and Physical Chemistry of Polymers
• Term: since 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 535410398

Rechargeable batteries with high energy and power density values are required for the growing electrification of various industry sectors. Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with inorganic cathode materials currently dominate the market. An alternative materials class for reducing environmental concerns is that of organic batteries, which potentially use "bio-based" materials or organic chemistry obtained from circular economy. They also promise easy recycling, however, this aspect has not been systematically investigated. SYNERGISTIC has three overreaching goals: (1) to establish novel cathode materials encompassing different redox-active units, that can be produced in an environmentally friendly manner, enable control over the morphology, and have the potential to be recycled. We will relate chemical synthesis to life-cycle assessment (LCA) to improve synthetic routes. (2) To get a profound understanding of the electronic and ion transport mechanisms as a function of morphology, doping level, and temperature via atomistic modeling simulations. We will benchmark the computational data against suitable model experiments in order to predict morphological and charge transport properties for future redox-active organic systems. (3) Finally, we will demonstrate that the novel materials developed under (1) can indeed be recycled from a coin cell. Our LCA analysis will predict the limits regarding different end-of-life options. Degraded cells will be disassembled and the redox material be recycled by solvolysis. Degradation products will be analysed to understand degradation mechanism, yielding options for further improvement. Also, the recycled material will be used to fabricate refurbished cells. This will serve as demonstration of how circular economy potential for organic battery materials can be obtained. The continuous intimate feedback loops between synthesis, atomistic modelling, battery cell fabrication and characterization, as well as life-cycle assessments will yield extended fundamental understand as well as environmentally friendly processing routes.

• DFG Programme: Priority Programmes
• Subproject of: SPP 2248: Polymer-based batteries
• International Connection: Italy
• Cooperation Partner: Professor Dr. Daniele Fazzi