Projects

Establishment of a hydrogen competence center on the campus of the TU Braunschweig

Acronym: H2 Campus TUBS

The Hydrogen Competence Center at the TU Braunschweig campus provides a research platform for those working in the field of hydrogen production, storage, and usage. At InES, a model for describing the performance of electrolyzers in dynamic operation will be developed and subsequently validated. 

Duration:

05.2021 – 04.2025

Endorser:

BMBF – Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung

Development of recycling/resynthesis processes for sustainable material cycles for HV batteries

Acronym: HVBatCycle

The "HVBatCycle" project pursues the overarching goal of developing and intensifying innovative, sustainable and energy-efficient processes along the value chain of high-voltage batteries from electric vehicles. A particular focus is on enabling the closed-loop recycling of battery materials in the near future. The InES at TU Braunschweig will play a leading role in the cell diagnostics of batteries made from recycled materials and develop customised mathematical models to analyse key performance indicators (KPIs).

Duration:

01.2022 – 12.2024

Endorser:

BMBF – Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung

Cell design and optimised electrolytes for calcium-oxygen batteries: Laboratory-scale cell

Acronym: CaSaBatt

The reactions and reaction sub-steps that take place at the anodes and cathodes in calcium-oxygen batteries (CASB) were only recently analysed in detail for the first time. It became clear that a conventional cell structure consisting of two electrodes and a porous separator as well as a single electrolyte cannot be used for CASB; two different reaction chambers with anolyte (electrolyte at the anode) and catholyte (electrolyte at the cathode) in a hybrid cell structure are absolutely necessary.

The main objective is therefore to build an electrically rechargeable CASB on a laboratory scale (demonstrator) at InES for the first time. The optimised materials required for this are supplied by the project partners from industry (iolitec) and from research institutes and universities (ZSW Ulm, Fraunhofer IFAM Bremen, University of Münster). The system addressed in CaSaBatt is potentially very cost-effective and also suitable for large-scale energy storage applications.

Duration:

05.2022 – 04.2025

Endorser:

BMBF – Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung

Durable and Efficient Compound Electrodes for Hydrogen Generation in PEM Electrolysis

Acronym: DECoH

The DECoH project aims to connect the fundamental understanding and the materials development of durable and efficient electrodes for acidic proton exchange membrane water electrolysers (PEMWE). The participating partners address research and development on several levels: Kyoto University will focus on the development of novel, low noble metal catalysts for the oxygen-evolving electrode. Eisenhuth GmbH & Co. KG will manufacture novel composite bipolar plates from customized materials designed and supplied by TOHO Titanium Co., Ltd. and will also produce conductive coatings for electrodes of the oxygen-developing half-cell side. TOHO Titanium Co., Ltd. will design and develop Ti-based porous transport layers that ensure efficient mass transfer with minimal degradation and performance losses. TU Braunschweig will evaluate the fabricated catalysts and components in lab-scale electrochemical test cells / electrolyzers and with mathematical models / simulations to derive guidelines for optimizing the performance, stability and efficiency of the electrodes, creating a feedback loop for the project partners.

Duration:

08.2022 – 07.2025

Endorser:

BMBF – Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung

Rechargeable zinc-manganese battery with pH neutral electrolyte

Acronym: ZiMaBat

The goal of the "ZiMaBat" project is the first demonstration of a rechargeable zinc-manganese battery (ZMB) in neutral to slightly acidic electrolyte with at least 50 charge/discharge cycles in AA format. The rechargeable ZMB is expected to achieve an energy density comparable to that of established technologies such as lead/gel, NiCd and NiMH. 
To this end, the dendrite growth at the anode will be characterized electrochemically and optically as a function of current density in the InES subproject. Subsequently, the dendrite growth will be inhibited by additives and coatings of the anode as well as by the use of different deposition techniques.
By combining expertise in zinc and manganese chemistry, separator, battery construction and recycling, and with the help of an accompanying LCA study, an environmentally friendly, non-flammable, easily recyclable energy or power round cell with different electrode design will be developed. The consortium covers the entire value chain and thus secures recycling opportunities for Germany as a business location. 
The project is being carried out jointly with VARTA Consumer Batteries, ACCUREC Recycling, EurA, the DECHEMA Research Institute, GASKATEL, Grillo-Werke and the University of Duisburg-Essen. Freudenberg Performance Materials is involved in the project as an associated partner.

Duration:

09.2022 – 08.2025

Endorser:

BMBF – Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung
Im Rahmen der Initiative Batterie 2020 Transfer

Scalable Electrolyzers with innovative Materials for Hydrogen Export to Germany

Acronym: Scale H2

The DEU-AUS project Scale H2 aims to analyse novel materials and components for electrolysis test cells in detail physically and electrochemically. The materials (synthesised and optimised by UNSW and UTS in Sydney, among others) and the systems in which they are used will be comprehensively characterised. Comparative studies with a reference system of commercial standard materials and literature data supplement the investigations.

A wide range of different physical and electrochemical analysis techniques are used to investigate the degradation of the electrolysers and the materials used. This enables benchmarking of the new materials and an in-depth understanding of their properties, interactions and mutual influences.

In addition, investigations from the laboratory scale to the electrolyser stack for practical use will be carried out in order to link the sub-project with the overall project. The InES sub-project accompanies the planning of the construction of a large-scale electrolyser stack by the Australian partners.

Duration:

05.2023 – 04.2027

Endorser:

BMBF – Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung

Optimised design for rechargeable and recyclable alkaline Zn- MnO2 batteries as a flexible energy storage system

Acronym: ORRCABATT

The main objective of ORRCABATT is to optimise the design and manufacturing processes of rechargeable alkaline zinc-manganese dioxide (ZMB) batteries through improved electrode materials, cell components and battery design/format, including a battery management system. From the outset, the most important aspects with regard to a circular economy (raw material extraction, material processing, component and battery production, utilisation and battery recovery/recycling).

The focus of InES is to gain a deeper understanding of the functionality and stability of the materials used. The project objective includes the electrochemical characterisation and testing of the battery cell components, in particular the analysis of the anode, as well as the investigation of the stability and degradation of the materials. Furthermore, the focus is on characterising the batteries during operation using advanced in-situ and operando techniques in order to quantify possible undesirable side reactions and identify optimisation strategies.

Duration:

10.2023 – 10.2026

Endorser:

BMBF – Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung

Sustainable production of sodium-ion batteries

Acronym: NaNaBatt

The aim of this project is to increase the efficiency and sustainability of the production of sodium-ion batteries (NIBs) with the help of innovative process strategies from the active material through to cell assembly. Building on the experience gained from the production of lithium-ion batteries, the transfer to innovative and environmentally friendly process routes such as water-based or high-viscosity production of the electrodes is to be established at an early stage. The ultimate goal is the demonstration of sustainably and efficiently produced, multi-layered full cells. The cell concept development will be accompanied by an ecological assessment to estimate the potential environmental impact of the technology under consideration in the future and compare it with established battery storage systems. The life cycle assessment modelling (LCA) is based on the project data collected according to its availability as well as on literature data and assumptions. Findings from the LCA are used together with other factors (stability, processability, rate capability as well as energy and performance data) to evaluate the battery concept.

Duration:

10.2023 – 09.2026

Endorser:

BMBF – Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung

Production and purification of vinylene carbonate additive for lithium-ion batteries to form an artificial SEI

Acronym: VC-Pure

The aim is to develop and scale up a process for forming an artificial SEI protective layer on anode active material particles (graphite, silicon) for LIBs. The project partners are focussing on the surface modification of the anode active material, the processing of the modified particles into finished electrodes and the diagnostics of the electrodes in laboratory cells (InES sub-project). Various methods for integrating VC into the anode will be investigated, including direct deposition, ex-situ oligo or polymerisation of VC and in-situ polymerisation during the electrode production process. The functionalised electrodes will be structurally and chemically analysed and tested for possible side reactions and suitability for high-voltage systems.

Duration:

10.2023 – 09.2026

Endorser:

BMBF – Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung

Interfaces in All-solid-state Composite Cathodes and Metal Anodes: Understanding the Correlation of Microstructure and Performance

Acronym: InCa-M

The DEU-JAP project InCa-M focusses on a deeper understanding of transport properties and the stability of interfaces in composite electrodes. In the case of the composite cathode, the influence of the electrode thickness, which is largely responsible for the surface capacity, on the transport properties and ageing effects will be investigated. The degradation kinetics of composite anodes are to be described with the aid of a quantitative model. In addition to the investigations on composite electrodes, the interfacial stability between lithium metal and the solid electrolyte will be analysed. The broad consortium (KIT Karlsruhe, JLU Gießen, Tokyo Institute of Technology) allows a powerful combination of advanced characterisation techniques and modelling to be used to clarify these questions. InES will contribute in particular with customised mathematical models and operando analyses.

Duration:

11.2023 – 03.2026

Endorser:

BMBF – Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung

Solid-State Battery Safety Testing, Advanced Cell Characterization and Database Developing

Acronym: BeSafe

In the DEU-JAP project BeSafe, new prototypes of solid-state batteries (SSBs) with different classes of solid electrolytes (e.g. sulphides, oxides and polymers) are being developed. The focus is on investigating the stability and safety of these batteries under various improper operating modes, such as overcharging and nail penetration. Experiments and simulations will be used to create and refine a comprehensive data set that will serve as a database for general safety information on different classes of solid electrolytes. The project will also determine whether certain material combinations of the components of the analysed SSBs change battery safety. The accumulation of scientific knowledge on the way to application and the determination of safety properties are of crucial importance. The InES in Braunschweig will contribute in particular with customised mathematical models and 3D simulations as well as the analysis of side reactions.

Duration:

11.2023 – 03.2026

Endorser:

BMBF – Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung

DaLion 4.0 - Data mining as the basis of cyber-physical systems in lithium-ion battery cell production

Acronym: DaLion 4.0

The project "DaLion - 4.0" aims to map battery cell production in cyber-physical systems, which represent the essential core content of Industry 4.0, through an overarching approach. Thematically, different, overarching fields of action are being researched in the project. Control-capable models are being developed in the sense of cyber-physical systems that are suitable for the planning and targeted control of battery cell production. In order to increase the industrial applicability of the results, suitable quality management strategies will be developed, including in the context of improved tracking & tracing and the definition of quality gates.

Duration:

01.2019 – 12.2021

Endorser:

BMBF – Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung

Alkalische Membran-Brennstoffzellen – vom Labor zur Anwendung

Acronym: AMB-REAL

The aim of the subproject, which is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), is the model-based identification of limitations that cause the reduced performance of alkaline anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFC) when operated with ambient air containing CO2. Furthermore, stable operating conditions will be identified and strategies will be developed to increase the CO2 tolerance of the cells.

Duration:

07.2019 – 06.2022

Endorser:

Europäischer Fond für regionale Entwicklung (EFRE)

MoonRide - Modern electrochemistry – From fundamentals and energy applications to interactive and virtual endeavours

Acronym: MoonRide

Within the international MoonRide project (in cooperation with the University of Rhode Island), virtual courses on modern electrochemistry are created for master students and PhD candidates. The course content includes video tutorials, live sessions, digital group work, virtual lab tours, and an intercultural workshop.

Duration:

10/2021 – 09/2022

Endorser:

DAAD – Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst

Validation Experiments for a Digital Toolbox for H2 Production

Acronym: VETO-H2

The VETO-H2 project aims to complement the DiTo-H2 project, which is already running in cooperation with Strathclyde University in Scotland, with experimental investigations and to strengthen and further expand the freshly launched international collaboration. In this context, questions from the field of green hydrogen production by means of high-temperature electrolysis will be investigated. VETO-H2 will now use experimental analyses to parameterize and validate the models to be developed in DiTo-H2. For this purpose, exemplary ionic conductor materials of the Scottish partner will be exchanged and characterized. 

Duration:

09.2022 – 02.2023

Endorser:

MWK - Niedersächsisches Ministerium für Wissenschaft und Kultur

Digital toolbox for hydrogen production

Acronym: DiTo-H2

The aim of the project DiTo-H2 is to develop a modelling framework that maps technological advances at different levels and quantifies how advances at the material level translate into performance improvements at the electrolyser and energy grid level. The framework will facilitate rapid decision-making on the value of integrating new technologies and materials as they become available. The project is jointly conducted with Strathclyde University, Scotland. 

Duration:

06.2022 – 02.2023

Endorser:

RSE - Royal Society of Edinburgh

InCa2 - Interfaces in Composite All-solid-state Cathodes: Improving the Performance and Understanding of the Protective Coating

Acronym: InCa2

The project InCa² combines the expertise of German and Japanese research institutes with the aim of investigating the electrochemical stability of sulfide solid electrolytes in contact with coated cathode active materials. The impelmented techniques include experimental analysis as well as mathematical modelling

Duration:

01.2022 – 04.2023

Endorser:

BMBF – Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung

Operando surface analysis for batteries with 3D-structured anodes with high performance and long operating lifetime

Acronym: OsabanPlus

In this joint project with partners from Japan and Germany, novel electrode materials, such as a zinc oxide conversion electrode, are being investigated using non-invasive operando methods. The resulting insight into the degradation processes will help to create new approaches to improve the robustness and longevity of the used components.

See also: magazin.tu-braunschweig.de/m-post/alternative-materialien-fuer-lithium-ionen-batterien/

Duration:

01.2022 – 04.2023

Endorser:

BMBF – Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung

Model-based evaluation of the operating limits of different cell systems for the design of adaptive fast-charging strategies along the entire utilization phase

Acronym: FastChargeLongLife

The subject of the project "FastChargeLongLife" is the model-based assessment of the fast charge ability for different materials of lithium-ion-batteries along the complete life cycle.

Duration:

10/2020 – 09/2023

Endorser:

BMBF – Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung

Integrated multi-scale system simulation and sustainability assessment of primary and circular raw material supply chains for lithium-ion batteries

Acronym: SIMTEGRAL

The overall objective of the SIMTEGRAL project is to develop and experimentally validate physically based multiscale simulation models of the most important processes for primary and secondary raw material production for Li-ion batteries. These detailed models will be linked together using a flowsheet simulation, which will then be integrated within the IC-LCE approach. Based on this, a techno-economic and social as well as life cycle assessment will be performed to gain insights for the design of sustainable value chains.

Duration:

11.2020 – 10.2023

Endorser:

BMBF – Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung

Safety tests for solid-state batteries

Akronym: SolidSafe

The SolidSafe project aims to comprehensively analyse the stability and safety of solid-state cells (SSBs) under different operating conditions. The data obtained will be compiled into a database that will be used for machine learning and optimisation in order to determine the safest material combination for SSB components.

A key objective of the project is to model-based analyse the tested SSB cells to understand the main degradation processes during selected abuse scenarios. These models will enable the prediction of cell performance during misuse cases and the optimisation of cell parameters to minimise the extent of damaging events.

Duration:

01.2022 – 12.2023

Endorser:

BMBF – Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung

Innovationslabor Wasserelektrolyse - Modellierungs- und Charakterisierungswerkzeuge für die Entwicklung von Wasserelektrolyseuren – Vom Material zum System

Acronym: InnoEly

The overall objective of the joint research project InnoEly is the development of a characterization and modeling toolbox for the further development of technical water electrolyzers. The InES is developing a machine learning-based model for the description of electrolyzer stacks.

Duration:

05/2021 – 04/2024

Endorser:

Niedersächsisches Ministerium für Wissenschaft und Kultur

Volkswagen Stiftung