"We don’t rely on critical raw materials like cobalt, nickel or graphite"

As part of our ongoing commitment to highlight innovative advances within the MUSIC Project, we are excited to present an exclusive interview with Daniel Carriazo, research line manager of the Cells and Electrochemical Testing line at CIC energiGUNE. As the coordinator of the MUSIC Project, CIC energiGUNE plays a crucial role not only in coordinating the project but also in the development and characterization of materials, manufacturing of electrodes, prototyping of sodium-ion capacitors, aging and post-mortem activities, recycling, as well as supporting the initial testing of cells and modules to verify their conformity. In this interview, Daniel delves into how CIC energiGUNE is leading the way towards more sustainable and efficient energy storage solutions, emphasizing the use of amorphous carbons that avoid critical materials like cobalt, nickel, or graphite.

What are the main active materials for MUSIC technology?

The materials that will be developed in the MUSIC project for their use in both of the electrodes, are exclusively based on amorphous carbons. So, unlike other energy storage technologies, here we don’t rely on critical raw materials like cobalt, nickel or graphite. This is a great advantage not only from the point of view of costs but also from its sustainability.

In the case of the negative electrodes, and as alternative to the graphite generally used in commercially available metal-ion capacitors and batteries, we will synthesize soft and hard carbons. The optimization of some of their features (graphitization degree, particle size, morphology or textural properties) would enhance the kinetics storage of sodium to ensure a good performance at high charge-discharge rates. 

In the case of the active materials developed for the cathode, the surface chemistry of some porous carbons will be tuned to enhance its affinity with some of the new electrolytes developed within the project and further increase the capacitance of these pristine high specific surface area materials.

How they are obtained?

These carbon materials are obtained by the carbonization and/or activation of different abundant precursors. Most typical ones are some recycled bio-wastes, wasted polymers like PVC or PVA, and in some cases, recycled carbon fibers coming from aeronautical composites wastes.

In the case of hard carbons, they will be mainly obtained from the carbonization of olive pits or coffee grounds at temperatures between 1000 and 1500 ºC in inert atmosphere. Additional post-synthetic treatments, such as ball milling, will be explored to tune the particle sizes in order to reach the optimum electrochemical performance at high power.

The hard carbons derived from the phenolic resins are obtained from the pyrolysis at temperatures between 1000 and 1500 ºC of a pre-synthesized polymer, whose properties will be strongly related to the selected synthetic conditions (monomer precursors, reagents ratios, temperature, pressure, etc.). This will have a direct impact on the electrochemical properties of these amorphous carbons as anode for sodium storage.  

Daniel Carriazo’s insights offer a revealing look into the future of energy storage technologies and the vital role that CIC energiGUNE plays within the MUSIC Project. His approach not only highlights the potential of new storage technologies but also underscores the importance of sustainable and cost-effective solutions in the energy sector. As we continue our journey with the MUSIC Project, CIC energiGUNE’s innovations and proactive research endeavors act as a beacon of progress, driving the entire industry toward a more sustainable and efficient future.