Nanoscale Hybrid Materials

In the research group “Nanoscale Hybrid Materials” electrospinning is used as a method to obtain (aligned) polymer fibre networks in a controlled way. These are carbonized and impregnated using different potential electrode materials in order to allow for an intimate contact between electron and Li conducting phase. Using this combination, cathode materials which are not suitable for an application due to their low intrinsic electronic conductivity shall be applied for Li-ion batteries. Sophisticated methods are used to unravel the interaction between the different phases and the microstructure of the electrode.

„Batteries are multi-component systems whose sustainability is decisively determined by suitable recycling processes. The key factors are energy consumption, the chemicals used, and the achievable recovery efficiencies. We are developing mechanochemical processes that operate at relatively low temperatures with mild chemicals and promise high efficiencies. In addition to evaluating the recyclates as raw materials for new batteries, elucidating the reaction mechanisms is also a priority. For the new cell concepts being developed in the POLiS excellence cluster, recycling poses a particularly challenging task, as recycling processes must be evaluated at an early stage of development and the battery cells are largely built without valuable components.”

This research group is partially funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgesellschaft (DFG) through the Cluster of Excellence POLiS.