Approach

Successful fabrication of SC cells is an intricate problem, demanding knowledge and know-how from a wide range of science and technology areas. The EMPHASIS research strategy has been designed to enable close collaboration between partners from diverse fields. While electrodes can now be prepared with very high energy density, the procedures to make them are either not scalable or extremely costly and time demanding, and thus, commercially unviable. To cope with this challenge, EMPHASIS proposes the development of a rational design approach that encompasses simultaneous optimisation of the most important key components of a SC cell, i.e., electrode materials, electrolytes and current collectors. The approach entails not simply a separate optimisation of these single components but also their best matching procedure, exploiting the synergy of the best performance of each component. In addition, the innovative design of SC cell architecture and control of power management are vital pillars of EMPHASIS to achieve breakthrough solutions to key applications in two areas with broad markets, i.e. smart clothing and electromobility. The project aspires to provide solutions to current problems faced by end-users by developing demand-driven technologies for the use of specific SCs that outclass the performance of current battery-based solutions.

The project’s focus areas are:

Smart clothing

The current needs of society have led to the development of functional garments that offer a range of benefits to help individuals maintain their health and safety. This has resulted in the production of smart clothing designed for use in various fields, including medical, sports, and wellbeing. However, one major challenge faced by end-users of medical textiles, particularly those designed for muscle electrostimulation to combat chronic diseases such as lymphatic drainage, is the discomfort and safety concerns associated with the use of bulky batteries. EMPHASIS aims to replace current battery technology with a lighter, more evenly distributed solution. This would not only decrease the weight of smart clothing but also allow for faster charging and improved overall comfort. Ultimately, EMPHASIS aims to enhance the quality of medical treatment for clients by making smart clothing more practical and user-friendly. This development has the potential to revolutionize the field of medical textiles and improve the lives of individuals who rely on these garments for improved health and wellbeing.

Electromobility

Battery electric vehicles are currently experiencing a surge in sales, but they may soon face challenges related to rising energy costs, scarcity of raw materials, and environmental impacts during the mining or disposal of certain metals, such as nickel and cobalt, used in battery production. In high-power applications like fuel-cell hybrid vehicles, Li-ion batteries are often used as an energy buffer, but they have a limited lifetime and can have negative environmental impacts due to the use of critical raw materials (CRMs). To meet the needs of the automotive industry, EMPHASIS aims to develop supercapacitors that can replace Li-ion batteries in high-power applications. These supercapacitors will be specifically designed to have both high-power and high-energy characteristics. This would not only overcome the limited lifetime issue associated with Li-ion batteries, but also address environmental concerns related to the use of CRMs in battery production. The development of such supercapacitors would be a significant step towards a more sustainable and efficient transportation sector.