Enhanced, Eco-Friendly Carbon Ingredients for Longer-Lasting Lithium-Ion Batteries: HiQ-CARB undertaking
In a groundbreaking development for the lithium-ion battery industry, the High-Quality Conductive Additives for Rechargeable Batteries (HiQ-CARB) project has made significant strides towards sustainability and performance. The project, which spans from January 1, 2021, to July 31, 2025, is a collaborative effort between Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V., Aalto University, Arkema Group, Customcells Itzehoe GmbH, Orion S. A., and Université de Bordeaux.
The HiQ-CARB project has focused on developing sustainable conductive carbon additives by combining two distinct carbon materials: carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and carbon acetylene black derived from renewable raw materials. This unique combination creates a synergistic effect that dramatically enhances electrode conductivity, offering several significant advantages.
Firstly, the innovation allows for reduced additive material usage while maintaining or improving battery performance. This reduction leads to cost savings and improved electrochemical performance of batteries. Secondly, the lighter battery designs contribute to higher energy density, making them more suitable for e-mobility and renewable energy applications. Thirdly, the enhanced charging capabilities are due to superior conductivity, which can significantly reduce charging times.
Moreover, the use of renewable-sourced carbon acetylene black instead of fossil-derived carbon blacks results in a lower environmental impact. The eco-balance of conventionally produced carbon black is significantly higher, at 3.5 to 3.9 kg CO2 equivalent per kilogram. In contrast, the production of ORION's acetylene black has a global warming potential of only around 1.5 kg CO2 equivalent per kilogram.
Manufacturing efficiencies are also improved due to reduced material inputs. The new carbon-based HiQ-CARB additives can be easily integrated into existing production processes without significant changes, making them a practical solution for the battery industry.
Laboratory-scale evaluations showed good results and clear advantages over conventional conductive additives. The partners, including Fraunhofer Institute, Aalto University, and battery start-up CustomCells Itzehoe GmbH, were crucial in evaluating the materials at both laboratory and pilot scale. The new additives can be produced in substantial quantities, and their properties and environmental impact have been evaluated when used in battery materials.
A life cycle analysis was carried out by the University of Bordeaux to assess the environmental impact of the new additives. The key materials include acetylene-based conductive carbon black particles produced by ORION S. A. and resource-saving CNTs produced by ARKEMA. The production of acetylene black has been scaled up to over 3000 metric tons.
The HiQ-CARB project has made significant contributions to promoting sustainable practices in the lithium-ion battery industry. The partners are determined to overcome remaining challenges and ensure the successful introduction of these innovations to the market. Furthermore, the project supported the training of specialists in the lithium-ion battery value chain, ensuring a skilled workforce to drive these advancements forward.
In conclusion, the HiQ-CARB project represents a valuable advancement for the battery industry, addressing challenges in conductive additive sustainability and effectiveness. The combination of carbon nanotubes and carbon acetylene black derived from renewable raw materials offers both performance improvements and sustainability benefits, making it a promising solution for the European battery industry as it strives to meet the demands of e-mobility and renewable energies.
[1] Fraunhofer ISC (2023). HiQ-CARB: High-Quality Conductive Additives for Rechargeable Batteries. Retrieved from https://www.isc.fraunhofer.de/en/about/news/hiq-carb
[2] Aalto University (2023). HiQ-CARB: High-Quality Conductive Additives for Rechargeable Batteries. Retrieved from https://www.aalto.fi/en/services/news-and-events/news/hiq-carb-high-quality-conductive-additives-for-rechargeable-batteries
The HiQ-CARB project's focus on renewable carbon acetylene black and carbon nanotubes offers a promising solution for improving the sustainability and performance of batteries in the realm of e-mobility and renewable energy, thereby contributing to the realization of a more sustainable lifestyle through advanced technology.
As the project continues to overcome challenges in conductive additive sustainability and effectiveness, its contributions to the lithium-ion battery industry are paving the way for a greener and more efficient future, enhancing our reliance on science and technology for a better tomorrow.
