Electrochemistry

Specific Mission

The aim of the research group is focused on electrochemical and photoelectrochemical energy generation and storage systems, in order to be able to face the energy challenges of the near future, for example electric transportation, energy storage of intermittent renewable sources, the integration in smart grids and with energy conversion technologies. The research activity of the group is focused on the preparation and characterization of new materials for high-voltage lithium-ion batteries and "post lithium-ion" systems, such as lithium-air, and lithium-sulfur and potassium. The group deals with the entire supply chain that goes from the selection of raw materials to the recycling chain of end-of-life devices. Also, the activity is focused on hybrid photovoltaic devices and on the electrochemical production of solar fuels.

Main research topics

  • • Preparation and characterization of high voltage and high capacity nanostructured electrode materials for Li-ion cells;
    • Preparation and characterization of nanostructured electrodes and electrolytes for Li-sulfur, Li-air and potassium cells;
    • Preparation and characterization of new polymeric membranes for lithium protection of post-lithium metal electrodes protection;
    • New frontiers in the field of batteries: self-healing of cell components and sensors integrated in the cells;
    • Assembly and electrochemical characterization of laboratory-scale devices for energy storage and conversion;
    • Characterization of modules and industrial battery packs with certified equipment and protocols;
    • Hybrid photovoltaic cells: development of sustainable materials and integration of devices with supercapacitors and electrochemical cells;
    • Electrochemical production of ammonia and fertilizers.

Main Partnerships

The Electrochemistry Group works in close collaboration with several companies, research centers and universities thanks to the activity in several funded projects and contracts, in addition to numerous other academic collaborations with Italian companies and universities

Lithops s.r.l., now part of SERI group, since the opening of the company; the only Italian company which produces electrodes for lithium - ion cells.

  • Archimede Energia,
  • GM,
  • MAVEL,
  • OPAC,
  • JAC (China),
  • CNH,
  • PIAGGIO,
  • SEAT,
  • Volvo
  • CRF in the automotive sector.
  • Johson Matthey,
  • Recupyl,
  • Solvionic,
  • SGL,
  • Imerys,
  • OXIS Energy, in materials and battery sector.
  • CEA (Commisariat Energie Atomique, Grenoble Fr),
  • KIT HIU (Karlsrue Institut Helmolz Institut Ulm- D),
  • CENIMAT FCT (Lisbon – P),
  • CTP (Centre Technique du Papier,Grenoble Fr),
  • INPG (Grenoble Institute of Technology, Grenoble Fr),
  • Imperial College (GB),
  • LEITAT (Spain),
  • LUREDERRA (Spain),
  • CEGASA (Spain),
  • CIDETEC (Spain),
  • AIT (Wien, Austria),
  • University College of Cork (Ireland),
  • Tubitak (Turkey),
  • Tel Aviv Unversity (Israel),
  • University of Liubljana (Slovenia),
  • Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CECRI, India),
  • Institut de recherches sur la catalyse et l'environnement (IRCELYON, Lyon),
  • CUNY (New York , USA) ,
  • Italian Institute of Technology (IIT).

Projects and publications

Reference laboratories