On September 6th, 2022, the ECOBAT project conducted its kick-off meeting in Leuven, Belgium. The project is implemented by KU Leuven, UC Louvain, University of Bonn and University of Namur.
An EOS (Excellence of Science) project, ECOBAT will investigate the electrocoordination chemistry of s-block elements in organic media for future batteries. ECOBAT’s objective is to provide new knowledge and materials to build, test and compare the performance metrics of different s-block elements in MABs and identify the common elements governing the bulk, interface and solvation properties of s-block MABs. More specifically, ECOBAT aims to understand the effect of the solvent and salt anion on reversible metal deposition and metal-ion intercalation in MABs using a single type of cathode materials. The relationship between the first coordination sphere and the electrochemical properties of the metal ions in organic media will be ultimately established. ECOBAT unites 5 experts in the domain of high-performance organic cathodes, efficient metal anode utilization, advanced electrolytes, combining both experimental and computational theoretical chemistry approaches. Comprising two ERC Grantees, the team will trigger new scientific findings on the electro-coordination chemistry of s-block elements, paving the way for next-generation batteries based on earth-abundant elements.
Acknowledgement: This project (EOS number: 40007515) has received funding from the FWO and F.R.S.-FNRS under the Excellence of Science (EOS) programme