On Friday, January 31, 2025, the Ecobat consortium held a progress meeting in University of Namur, Belgium. With an impressive turnout of 19 out of 21 project members, the event was a platform for technical discussions. This is especially useful as ECOBAT consortium features both theoretical and experimental scientists. Notably, our colleagues from the University of Bonn traveled to Belgium to attend in person, further strengthening our collaboration.
The meeting featured insightful presentations from various teams:
🔹 Researchers from the University of Bonn presented their work on Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Novel Electrolyte Systems, contributing to WP2 and WP3.
🔹 A Solvomet researcher introduced advancements in developing fluorine-free electrolytes (related to WP3).
🔹 The KU Leuven Materials Engineering team provided updates on reversible calcium electrodeposition and lithium plating-stripping in anode-free lithium metal batteries (experimental work within WP2)
🔹 The hosting team from UNamur delved into the theoretical aspects of sulfonamide-based polymers, electrode interface reactions, and SEI formation through spectroscopic studies (part of WP1 and WP3)
The day concluded with a delightful dinner, where we enjoyed the flavors of Southern Belgium—a good way to celebrate our collective efforts. A special thanks to Pierre Beaujean and Benoit Champagne from the University of Namur for their seamless organization!
With one year remaining in the ECOBAT project, we look forward to advancing our collaboration and delivering high-quality research on the electro-coordination chemistry of s-block elements.