The kick-off meeting of the CICe2024 project, funded within the framework of the Basque Government´s ELKARTEK 2024 programme, was held on 10 October 2024. The meeting, held in online format, brought together all the consortium partners: BCAM, Ikerlan, Tecnalia, Mondragon Unibertsitatea and the UPV/EHU, led by CIC energiGUNE.

During the meeting, the general objectives of the project were presented and the planning of the different work packages (WP), which structure the research around the development of advanced materials and digital tools for more sustainable and efficient batteries, beyond lithium-ion, was reviewed.

Four work packages to advance knowledge and innovation

The CICe2024 project is articulated in four work packages that will allow comprehensive progress in different key areas:

• WP1 - Design and development of sustainable electrolytes: focused on the synthesis of new electrolytes for technologies such as sodium-ion batteries (NIBs), high-density hybrid capacitors (MIC-NICs) and ceramic electrolyte solid-state batteries (CE-SSBs).
• WP2 - Study of the electrolyte-electrode interface: focused on understanding the processes occurring at the interface between electrodes and new electrolytes, key to optimise the performance of NIBs, MIC-NICs and CE-SSBs.
• WP3 - Analysis of degradation mechanisms: aimed at identifying and characterising the causes of degradation in NIB and MIC-NIC technologies, using commercial sodium-ion batteries and reference prototypes. CE-SSB technologies will be addressed in future research due to the limited availability of functional prototypes.
• WP4 - Development of digital twins: aimed at creating virtual models to predict the behaviour of these technologies in real conditions, using commercial cells and compatible prototypes.

This comprehensive approach will allow the consortium to address the main technological and sustainability challenges of post-lithium-ion batteries, aligning research with the strategic objectives of electrification and energy transition in the Basque Country.

The CICe2024 project reinforces CIC energiGUNE´s commitment to scientific collaboration of excellence, sustainable technological development and knowledge transfer to industry.