Sustainable Batteries

Reliable energy storage is essential for the successful deployment of renewable energy technologies. RESTART supports research into advanced battery materials and the scientific understanding needed to improve future energy storage systems.

Why Energy Storage Matters

Solar and wind energy generation naturally fluctuate throughout the day. Batteries provide a means to store energy when it is available and release it when needed.

Lithium-Ion Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are widely used in portable electronics, transportation and grid-scale energy storage. However, challenges remain relating to cost, performance, lifetime and sustainability.

Research Areas

• Advanced cathode materials.
• Battery degradation mechanisms.
• Surface treatment and materials optimisation.
• Atomic-scale computer simulations.
• Machine-learning assisted materials modelling.
• In-operando synchrotron experiments.

Combining Experiment and Theory

The project combines sophisticated computational modelling with synchrotron-based imaging and spectroscopy. Together, these approaches provide powerful insights into how battery materials function under real operating conditions.

Long-Term Impact

Better batteries can support renewable-energy adoption, improve energy resilience and contribute to sustainable economic growth.