High-performance anode materials for resource-saving Na-ion batteries based on lignin and hemicellulose from hardwood and softwood waste

Batteries play a key role in the transformation of mobility and energy supply. Li-ion batteries, which are based on limited resources, are state of the art. Sodium-ion batteries are a sustainable alternative, but are not yet competitive in terms of performance.

So-called hard carbons can be used as electrode material in sodium-ion batteries. These can be obtained sustainably through the pyrolysis of plant materials. However, their strongly fluctuating composition leads to intolerable fluctuations in the properties of the electrodes. 

The HANa project aims to solve this problem. Using a novel pulping process, the components lignin and hemicellulose with defined properties are extracted from wood waste. These are then pyrolyzed into hard carbons and should be of a consistently high quality.

HANa covers the entire process chain from wood pulping, pyrolysis and electrode development to installation and testing in battery cells. Experts from chemistry, materials science and battery technology are part of the interdisciplinary project group led by Prof. Dr. Volker Knoblauch at Aalen University..