New paper published in ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering. We present a mildly synthesized aluminum layered double hydroxide (Al-LDH) electrode that couples chemical adsorption with electrochemical release to recover lithium at neutral pH, eliminating harsh acids or bases and minimizing secondary pollution. It achieves an average Li⁺ uptake of 57.6 mg/g with strong Li⁺ over Na⁺ selectivity (vs. 1.0 mg/g for commercial Al(OH)₃ over 15 cycles), positioning Al-LDH as a scalable, green candidate for next-generation direct lithium extraction.

New paper published in ACS Applied Energy Materials on lithium-sulfur batteries. Our collaborative work explored microporous carbon cathodes with carefully tuned pore sizes, tested in both carbonate- and ether-based electrolytes. Our study shows how pore structure and cathode–electrolyte interphase formation impact cycling stability and sulfur utilization. With optimized microporosity, we achieved over 50 mass % sulfur loading and improved performance in carbonate electrolytes. Thanks to all authors (in order of the manuscript) Delvina Tarimo (PhD), Francisco J. Garcia-Soriano, Alen Vizintin, and Christian Prehal.

New collaborative paper (Victor H. R. Souza) published in Journal of Power Sources. To support the energy transition, we developed freestanding electrodes combining reduced graphene oxide, polyaniline, and nickel hexacyanoferrate (NiHCF), which is a promising material for aqueous batteries due to its long cycle life and redox-active structure. These rGO/PAni/NiHCF films achieve high specific capacities (up to 83 mAh/g) and integrate both active material and current collector in one, offering a compact and efficient solution for energy storage.

New paper published in Journal of Hazardous Materials. This collaborative work explores the degradation of microplastics by electrocoagulation via the combination oxidation and flocculation effects.

New paper published in Electrochimica Acta on “Transparent polyaniline/MXene thin films supercapacitors”. In this collaborative work, we developed transparent, nanostructured films combining MXene Ti₃C₂T_x and polyaniline for miniaturized energy storage devices. The films show promising electrochemical performance and stability, opening avenues for transparent supercapacitor applications. Co-authors: Ariane Schmidt, Samantha Husmann, and Aldo J.G. Zarbin.

New paper published in ACS Applied Polymer Materials. This joint work with Markus Gallei from Saarland University has developed smart core–shell particles with imidazole-functionalized shells that respond to acidic solutions and hydrophobic anions, forming viscoelastic opal films with tunable structural colors. These films serve as affordable optical sensors, changing color in response to environmental stimuli, with potential applications in life sciences, environmental monitoring, and electrochemistry.

New paper in Energy & Environmental Materials: Dry Electrode Processing for Free-Standing Supercapacitor Electrodes with Longer Life, Higher Volumetric Outputs, and Reduced Environmental Impact.

Our research explores the benefits of dry electrode processing for supercapacitors. As one of the pioneering energy storage systems to adopt dry electrode processing (e.g., through [formerly] Maxwell), supercapacitors have shown significant advancements in this area. Our study follows up with this processing technology and demonstrates notable improvements in electrode lifespan, volumetric energy density, and environmental sustainability by utilizing dry processing techniques. By bypassing conventional solvent-based methods, we achieved a 28% increase in energy density and a reduction in manufacturing-related CO₂ emissions, while also extending the lifespan of supercapacitors across various electrolytes, including organic, ionic liquids, and quasi-solid state.

In the broader context, this research contributes to the ongoing efforts to enhance energy storage technologies. Supercapacitors are crucial for bridging the gap between batteries and capacitors, offering rapid charge/discharge capabilities and long cycle life. The adoption of dry electrode processing can advance their sustainability and, at the same time, yield a better performance per the more intricate particle-particle contact and ability to obtain even ultra-thick electrodes (in our work: up to 700 µm).

Team Jena: Marius Hermesdorf, Desirée Leistenschneider; Team Saarbrücken: Emmanuel Pameté, Jean Gustavo De Andrade Ruthes, Anna Seltmann, Delvina Tarimo (PhD).

New paper published on “Multi-scale circuit model bridges molecular modeling and experimental measurements of conductive metal-organic framework supercapacitors” in Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics.

New open access paper published in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces on “Understanding Rate and Capacity Limitations in Li-S Batteries Based on Solid-State Sulfur Conversion in Confinement”. This study explores how solid-state sulfur conversion within carbon nanopores enhances the performance of lithium-sulfur batteries. Key parameters relate to cathode-electrolyte interphase (CEI) formation, pore size, and material design.

Key findings from our study:

• Nanopore engineering: Small nanopores (<0.8 nm) promote efficient CEI formation, improving charge transfer and enabling solid-state sulfur conversion without polysulfide dissolution.
• Rate limitation insights: Charge transfer between sulfur and carbon dominates rate limitations, particularly during charging, while lithium-ion transport plays a secondary role.
• Material utilization: Optimized sulfur-to-carbon ratio maximizes the capacity by balancing pore filling and reaction kinetics.
• Advanced methodologies: Techniques like operando SANS and XRD provide evidence for the stability of solid-state conversion processes and the amorphous nature of sulfur products within nanopores.

This work is an outcome of the Slovenian-Swiss-Austrian-German ALISA project (Advanced Lithium-Sulfur batteries with ultramicroporous carbons), supported by the European Commission Horizon 2020 program and various national funding agencies (including Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung). It contributes to the broader effort of advancing sustainable and high-energy-density battery systems, aligning with global clean energy goals.
Thank you for the great collaboration Ayça Şenol Güngör, Jean-Marc von Mentlen, Jean Gustavo De Andrade Ruthes, Francisco J. García-Soriano, Sara Drvarič Talian, Lionel Porcar, Alen Vizintin, Vanessa Wood, and Christian Prehal

Our new paper, Electrochemical recycling of lithium-ion batteries: Advancements and future directions, is now available online at the Wiley journal EcoMat. Our review provides a perspective of different recycling techniques currently used for lithium-ion batteries. We begin by reviewing the more established pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical methods, which have been widely adopted in industrial applications. These methods, while effective, often involve high energy consumption and the use of chemical reagents, raising concerns about their long-term sustainability.

Building on this foundation, we focus on emerging electrochemical approaches, which offer a more sustainable alternative by using electricity to recover valuable metals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel. This method reduces the need for harmful chemicals and promises lower energy demands, especially when powered by renewable energy sources. However, despite these advantages, electrochemical recycling is not without its challenges. Our paper critically examines key issues such as scalability and selectivity. We emphasize the need for further research to address these obstacles and unlock the full potential of electrochemical recycling to improve metal recovery efficiency while minimizing waste and environmental impact.

In the broader context of the energy transition, efficient battery recycling is becoming increasingly important. As demand for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage rises, ensuring the sustainable recovery of metals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel is crucial. While electrochemical methods are promising, significant technical challenges remain to be addressed before these processes can be widely adopted. We believe our work contributes to a deeper understanding of the current landscape and offers insights into future directions.