Revolutionising Lithium-ion Battery Technology for Enhanced Safety

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At a Glance

Developing safer and more sustainable Gen3 lithium-ion batteries (LIBs)
Pushing the boundaries of current LIB technologies by developing innovative material combinations and optimising the four key components of a LIB cell: anode, cathode, separator, and electrolyte
Paving the way for a future where mobility is both eco-friendly and secure

In light of climate change, environmental challenges, and rapid digitalisation, novel battery technologies are essential to power e-mobility, clean energy storage, and consumer electronics. Current lithium-ion batteries face performance, sustainability, and recycling limitations – for example due to dependence on critical raw materials, such as lithium.

INERRANT addresses these challenges by developing innovative material combinations and eco-friendly recycling methods focused on safety and sustainability. Taking a holistic view on the battery lifecycle, from design and production to end-of-life, the project lays the basis for safer energy storage solutions. Always keeping scalability in mind, ensuring a smooth transition from pilot lines to gigafactory-scale implementation.

Boosting Battery Safety

As the demand for e-mobility, renewable energy storage, and portable electronics rises, existing LIB technologies face critical limitations, such as safety risks, performance degradation, and reliance on critical raw materials. Moreover, with the continuous improvement in energy density of batteries, ensuring battery safety becomes indispensable to prevent unintended energy release and thermal runaway. Thermal runaway happens when a battery overheats, causing a chain reaction that quickly accelerates temperature and can lead to fire or explosion.

This is why INERRANT develops internal protection methods using smart separator designs that prevent the battery from operating when overheating risks arise. By protecting key components from damage INERRANT’s new battery designs improve both the safety and lifespan of LIBs. However, the goal is not just to enhance performance but also to reduce environmental impact and strengthen Europe’s energy independence and transition to a climate-neutral, circular economy.

From Materials to Recycling: A Holistic Approach

To achieve its ambitious goals INERRANT addresses the entire battery lifecycle – from design through end-of-life – advancing the next-generation lithium-ion batteries through a holistic approach. The project focuses on four key areas: innovative electrode materials, smart separators, responsive electrolytes, and eco-friendly recycling. By developing novel (nano)material combinations for anodes and cathodes, INERRANT aims to boost energy density and reduce reliance on critical raw materials. Smart separator structures act as internal safety mechanisms, preventing thermal runaway by shutting down the battery in case of overheating.

At the same time, adaptive electrolytes respond to stress conditions, reducing degradation and extending battery life. To close the loop, INERRANT designs sustainable recycling methods that recover high-purity materials. The project’s holistic lifecycle strategy ensures that materials and processes are safe, sustainable, and reduces the dependence on critical raw materials, while assuring the technologies are scalable and industry ready.

INERRANT takes a holistic view on the battery lifecycle, from design and production to end-of-life, and thus paves the way for safer energy storage solutions.

inerrant-batteries.eu

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Sam Hoefman

Senior Research & Impact Manager
Portfolio Manager Industrial Technologies