Future of the batteries: Germany relies on sodium and zinc for e-mobility!

Future of the batteries: Germany relies on sodium and zinc for e-mobility!

In the world of battery research, Germany is about to have an important anniversary: ​​On July 7th, the Meet in Münster and the Helmholtz Institute Münster (Hi MS) celebrate their double anniversary of 15 years meet and 10 years Hi MS. Martin Winter, the founder and scientific director of both institutions, underlines the role of these research centers as a pioneer in the development of battery technologies.

Lithium-ion batteries have dominated the market for almost 35 years. This technology is constantly being improved, but the future could also bring other cell chemics into play, such as lithium metal batteries. The latter attract the interest of the electromobility industry due to their potential higher reach. Nevertheless, it remains uncertain how the role of these batteries will develop in the future. In view of the problems and concerns that surround lithium-ion technology, diversification of the technologies is urgently required.

alternatives and sustainable developments

sodium-ion batteries represent a promising alternative. This new technology can easily be integrated into existing production systems and does not require critical raw materials such as lithium, nickel or cobalt. Instead, it is based on inexpensive and regionally available sodium, which is unlimited in the form of sodium chloride in Germany. These batteries not only offer cheaper material costs, but also faster loading times, although they have a lower energy density, which reduces the range of electric vehicles. These progress is largely promoted in research centers such as the Adlershof Science Park in Berlin, where the zinc hydrogen batteries are also used to store regenerative energy.

The "Design for Recycling" concept is actively implemented at the Meet to simplify the disassembly of batteries and use environmentally friendly materials. Direct recycling of active materials is another research focus to increase the sustainability of the battery technologies. Germany has invested over a billion euros in battery research in the past 15 years, which underlines the importance of the industry.

look into the future and geopolitical challenges

Despite the progress, the German research institutes face challenges. The current developments in the USA, in particular budget cuts, could affect the research landscape in Germany. Nevertheless, there are strong cooperation with US institutions that offer a positive perspective.

Another reason to worry are the planned drastic cuts of the funds for battery research by the federal government from 2025. Although ongoing projects are not affected, this could bring strategic disadvantages for battery production in Germany and Europe. This could affect the progress in the development of sustainable alternatives such as the zinc hydrogen battery, which works with recyclable materials and whose material costs are less than a tenth of the costs of lithium-ion batteries.

Overall, progress in battery research is a decisive prerequisite for the success of the energy transition and electromobility. The innovative strength in this area also remains unbroken due to the current challenges, and focus on sustainability and recycling will continue to become more important in the future.

For more information on developments in battery technology, read Uni-muenster.de and and rbb24.de.