New research project to boost battery efficiency and sustainability
Researchers at FSCN Research Centre, Mid Sweden University, have been granted funding within the Impact Innovation program Swedish Metals and Minerals, a joint initiative of the Swedish Energy Agency, Formas and Vinnova.
This is a new four-year research project that will explore how innovative surface treatment techniques can make batteries more efficient, durable, and sustainable.
The project, with a total budget of around 5 million SEK, brings together expertise from both academia and industry. As the demand for efficient and sustainable energy storage grows, the project focuses on one of the crucial components in lithium-ion batteries – the aluminum current collector. This thin aluminum foil conducts electrons during charging and discharging, and its surface properties have a major impact on the battery’s performance and lifetime.
The research team will investigate how advanced surface treatment with graphene coating can improve the interface between the aluminum current collector and the electrode materials. The goal is to reduce internal resistance, enhance mechanical properties, and extend the overall lifespan of the batteries.
A step forward for sustainability
“This technology could significantly improve battery performance and durability. We don’t have this kind of coating technology in Sweden or even Europe today, so developing it here would be a major step forward for more sustainable battery production,” says Ghadir Razaz, researcher and project manager at FSCN Research Center.
The project also opens new opportunities for FSCN’s Advanced Materials and Processes group to expand research in coating technologies and sustainable energy applications.
Partners in the project are Gränges Finspång AB, Granode Materials AB, 2D fab AB, and Chalmers University of Technology. All industry partners contribute in kind, and Chalmers will also conduct research within the project.
“Our partners have been very enthusiastic since the pre-study showed such promising results. We are aiming to develop lithium batteries that last longer and perform better, which is an important step toward the green energy transition,” says Ghadir Razaz.