FLUFFY – Fluoride-based Na-ion battery cathodes for stationary energy storage

The world is facing an energy and climatic crisis, and a major transition to renewable energy sources is needed to attain the climate commitment. As we count more on weather-dependent sources like solar and wind power, it's crucial to have a reliable way to store and inject their electricity into the network when needed. Stationary energy storage systems, such as batteries, can stock this intermittent energy, avoid wasted electricity or shortage, and open possibilities in rural areas on continents where grids are limited. While Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are currently the preferred technology for electric mobility, there are concerns about the long-term availability, sustainability and cost of raw materials such as cobalt, nickel, lithium, or copper. New types and generations of high-performance, safe, sustainable, and affordable batteries are needed for stationary storage. Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are well suited for this application, as they are considered safer than LIBs for multiple reasons, and more importantly, the critical materials utilised in LIBs can be replaced in SIBs with widely abundant and sustainable counterparts. SIBs are paving the way towards a greener, lower-cost next-generation stationary energy storage technology. The FLUFFY project aims to accelerate the research on stationary energy storage by developing better components for sodium-ion batteries. In this exciting project, the scientists focus on finding fluoride-based cathode materials that can make sodium-ion batteries perform even better, with respect to voltage window, cycling performance and stability. FLUFFY project brings together a diverse team of experts who work together to create and study these new materials in real-conditions using advanced techniques, with the constant goal of finding cleaner and more sustainable ways of storing green energy.

The FLUFFY project aims to accelerate stationary energy storage research by developing cathodes for advanced sodium-ion batteries. With the increasing reliance on weather-dependent renewable energy sources, it is essential to establish a reliable energy storage system to guarantee a steady supply of clean energy. Sodium-ion batteries have emerged as a promising and sustainable solution due to their relatively high volumetric energy density, long cycle life, and cost-effectiveness. The FLUFFY project will focus on identifying fluoride-derived materials as cathode materials that maximize the electrochemical performance, lifetime and minimize the environmental footprint of sodium-ion batteries. The high electronegativity of fluorine enhances the electrochemical performances and chemical stability, making these materials ideal for battery applications. Our mixed-anion approach will further modify the fluoride chemistry to increase ionic and electronic conductivity. The project's multidisciplinary approach brings together a diverse team of researchers with a solid background in solid-state chemistry, battery materials, electrochemistry, modelling and operando techniques. These experts will work together to synthesize and study the electrochemical behaviour of fluoride-derived materials in real-time using operando techniques, making a significant contribution to energy storage technology. As a Researcher Project for Young Talents, FLUFFY provides young researchers a unique opportunity to collaborate towards a common goal and make a meaningful impact in one of Norway's top-priority research (technology) fields.