SoloBat

Oxygen-mediated (self-)rechargeable organic batteries

In this project, the researcher will explore and advance a new type of concept – the oxygen-mediated, self-rechargeable organic battery (SoloBat) - by combining the reaction chemistry of lithium-organic batteries, lithium-oxygen batteries, and spontaneous oxidation of organic battery materials by the molecular oxygen.

The researcher will first set out to have a comprehensive study of the oxygen-mediated lithium-organic battery system and afterwards, combine the oxygen catalysts and organic cathode materials to construct and test the 'SoloBat' prototype systems.

Specifically, the main objectives of this project are:

1. clarify the exact reaction chemistry of oxygen-mediated lithium-organic battery;
2. establish the design principles for organic cathode materials and oxygen catalysts; 
3. construct a 'SoloBat' system that can achieve a cycling stability of more than 300 (self-)recharge cycles.

The results of this project have the potential to lead to a new sustainable battery technology and set off a wave of research on this concept.

The scientific findings generated during the implementation of this project are also expected to provide further indications for associated directions such as organic batteries, catalysts for lithium-oxygen batteries or fuel-cells, as well as further exploring the limits of efficient Li metal electrochemistry.

This project has received funding under the European Union's Horizon Europe research and innovation programme