GAČR project by Dr. Tomáš Hartman explores new materials for the batteries of the future

How can we replace scarce lithium in batteries? A project led by Dr. Tomáš Hartman and supported by the Czech Science Foundation (GAČR) is seeking answers in 2D materials based on silicon and germanium. These more affordable and widely available elements could pave the way for next-generation batteries and support a more sustainable energy future.

How would you describe your project to a layperson in a few sentences? Why is it important?

The aim of this project is to examine new low-dimensional (2D) materials based on silicon and germanium, both of which are remotely similar to (already notorious) graphene. These materials exhibit a number of unique properties such as large surface areas—and, in terms of silicon, abundance and low cost—which suggests their hidden potential for energy storage purposes. They could also make it possible to conveniently use other, more accessible metals in hypothetical batteries built upon the aforementioned 2D materials as an alternative to lithium (for example, calcium or magnesium). Because of this, new knowledge about energy storage/batteries could be gained as an outcome of this project.

What inspired you to choose this topic? Was it a specific challenge you wanted to address, or a kind of natural continuation of your previous work?

To tell you the truth, I started working on energy storage in batteries a few years ago. It is an area with quite interesting real-world potential for application, especially during the “Green Deal”.

What is the main goal of your research?

Our goal is to examine nanomaterials based on silicon and germanium with an emphasis on their ability to interact with calcium or magnesium ions and to investigate the potential these nanomaterials might have as active materials for storing electrical energy.

What do you think captured the selection committee’s attention the most?

I would not like to speculate here, but I think it is mainly a combination of two relatively hot topics in R&D right now: 2D materials (this particular class of 2D materials has not been explored much) and their subsequent application for energy storage purposes using ions from other metals than lithium.

Will the project lead to any specific applications or technologies?

The project is focused mostly on basic nanomaterials for batteries research, but of course, if potential applications emerge from our endeavour, we would be pleased.

What makes your project unique?

I think that the attractiveness of the project lies mainly in the idea of not using lithium, which has severely limited sources, unlike calcium or magnesium, which can also be considered as much safer substitutes.

With whom are you collaborating on the project?

The research team is composed mainly of colleagues and students from UCT Prague’s Department of Inorganic Chemistry.

What obstacles or challenges do you anticipate during the project? Do you already have strategies for overcoming them?

More specifically, the attractiveness of lithium in current batteries lies mainly in its potential, size, and its mobility. These properties are difficult to match with ions from alternative metals, but by choosing the right conditions or a suitable cell design, we might overcome these obstacles.

What brings you the most joy in working on this project?

Personally, I am very glad about the fact that on the second attempt, I succeeded in retooling my proposal to please the reviewers.

What, theoretically should happen with your research after the project is completed?

The most likely next step is further research, eventually optimization of findings for practical use. After all, laboratory work, especially fundamental research, is a small first step towards practical use.