Conference Recap 2024

Even though the INERRANT project only started its work in May of this year our partners have already been spreading the word about INERRANT at conferences across Europe. Here’s a quick 2024 recap with some of our highlights:

SEPTEMBER

15th International Conference on Solid State Chemistry (SCC2024)

In September a successful satellite event of SSC2024 took place at UJEP in Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic, welcomed participants from around the globe. The event, focused on "Electrochemical Energy Storage Materials and Processes", and was organized by INERRANT in collaboration with two other EU-funded projects: EMPHASIS and GRAPHERGIA.

The satellite event brought together a diverse group of researchers, experts, and stakeholders to explore recent advancements in electrochemical energy storage, especially in supercapacitors and batteries. By uniting individuals with a wide range of expertise, the event facilitated discussions, knowledge exchange, and collaboration opportunities in this rapidly evolving field. Attendees were engaged in presentations from leading researchers, participated in insightful panel discussions, and took part in networking sessions. The event highlighted the latest research activities and findings generated within the three EU-funded projects, and fostered valuable discussions on the critical challenges and opportunities in electrochemical energy storage.

The conference was widely regarded as a success, drawing interest from both industry and academia. Attendees praised the high calibre of presentations and the unique networking opportunities, which provided a strong platform for future collaborations. As a part of the conference three Ph.D. students were awarded for their posters, all of them participants in the forementioned projects.

German Conference on Neutron Scattering 2024

Additionally, our member Serena Cussen from UCD gave a presentation on “Informing synthesis of energy storage materials through advanced characterisation” at the German Conference on Neutron Scattering in Aachen, Germany. The conference offered a forum for the presentation and fruitful discussion of recent results and advances in the field of neutron scattering and material research using neutrons.

OCTOBER

16th NANOCON Conference

INERRANT was represented at the NANOCON conference in Brno, Czech Republic, by Jiří Orava from UJEP, who shared some first insights into recent project developments, focusing on innovations in lithium-ion battery (LIB) safety and sustainability.

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have become indispensable in modern energy storage, powering everything from consumer electronics to electric vehicles (EVs). Since their commercial debut by Sony in the 1990s, these batteries have undergone remarkable advancements, making them a cornerstone technology for mobility and energy storage applications. Orava’s presentation showcased how these advancements align with the broader goals of making LIB technology safer, more sustainable, and economically feasible. The presented work reaffirms the INERRANT project’s role in pushing the boundaries of battery technology.

The insights presented by Jiří Orava underscored the importance of combining advanced material science with sustainable recycling practices. By addressing critical safety and environmental concerns, these innovations pave the way for the economical and widespread use of LIBs in modern society.

Direct Recycling Battery Conference 2024

At the end of October, the first conference on Battery Direct Recycling took place in Würzburg, Germany. Our partner Fraunhofer ISC organised the event with more than 150 participants from research and industry. The event provided room to exchange ideas on the direct recycling of batteries and to gain new insights into technical methods, economic feasibility and optimisation possibilities. The two days were filled with interesting lectures, poster session, discussions and keynotes from renowned speakers, who addressed topics such as design for recycling, methods, processes, digitalisation and life cycle assessment. Due to the extremely positive feedback from all participants the conference is expected to be repeated in the next few years.

NOVEMBER

Battery Innovation Days 2024

In November the battery community gathered in Barcelona, Spain to spend two days discussing the future of batteries in Europe at Battery Innovation Days 2024. INERRANT was represented through the Battery 2030+ initiative at “The European Batteries R&I Community” booth as well as by INERRANT member Guinevere Giffin from JMU, who gave a presentation on “Recycling Processes for design-to-cost technologies: Paving the Way for Sustainable Future”.

“’Design for Circularity’ for future batteries can and will facilitate direct recycling, and has the potent to be a USP for the European battery industry.” – Guinevere Giffin

INERRANT aims to pioneer safer Gen 3 Lithium-Ion Batteries (LIBs) and establish sustainable, circular manufacturing practices. These advancements are designed to facilitate large-scale production, enable the transformation of the industry towards eco-friendly and sustainable methods, and set new standards for Gigafactory-scale production.

LOOKING FORWARD TO 2025

INERRANT will participate in several conferences in 2025, here are a few we can already share with you:

• Our partner Verkor is co-organising a Winter School in Grenoble, France in March 2025. Learn more about the event here.
• Members from Fraunhofer ISC will attend Advanced Batter Power Conference in Aachen in April 2025. Find out more about the conference here.