The OPINCHARGE project recently convened in Nantes, France, on 7. – 8. December 2023, for its General Meeting. Hosted by CNRS at the premises of Institut des Materiaux Jean Rouxel (IMN), this pivotal event brought together project partners for two days of profound discussions, collaborative efforts, and an exploration of cutting-edge advancements in battery technology.

Day 1: Unveiling Progress and Collaboration

The meeting commenced with a warm welcome from LIST, the Project Coordinator, setting the stage for the unveiling of six months’ worth of achievements and future plans by the Work Package Leaders. The diverse array of topics covered included:

• Project Management and Coordination (Work Package 1) led by LIST.
• Interfacial structure and composition dynamics: a multiscale approach (Work Package 2) by CNRS.
• Operando, in-situ, and ex-situ characterization of interfaces using isotopes (Work Package 3) led by LIST.
• Methods for low-dose high-speed data acquisition and data treatment  (Work Package 4) by DFKI.
• Interface modelling and validation using experimental charge transport characteristics  (Work Package 5) led by DLR.
• Research Data Management FAIR principles, Liaison with Battery 2030+  (Work Package 6) by CIDETEC
• Dissemination, Exploitation & Communication(Work Package 7) by PEDAL Consulting.

Following insightful inputs from partners, the consortium enjoyed a tour of the IMN Lab hosted by CNRS, showcasing the state-of-the-art facilities dedicated to advancing battery research. The IMN develops a fundamental understanding of the science of materials and their properties from the atomic scale upwards. This allows the design, characterisation and optimisation of new materials for a diverse range of high technology applications, including next generation solar cells, fuel cells, electric car batteries, nanotechnology, smart materials, materials for microelectronics, photonic and optical materials.

Day 2: Delving into Interface Modelling and Validation

The second day featured in-depth presentations from DLR, CIDETEC and UPB partners, focusing on Interface Modelling and Validation using experimental charge transport characteristics. The objective of their Work Package is to develop mesoscale continuum models, providing a deeper understanding of battery function at unprecedented levels of detail. This, in turn, refines measurement techniques and enhances accuracy.

CIDETEC led a session highlighting their efforts in an animated session that focused on:

• Establishing a research data management plan based on FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable and re-usable)principles to enhance data exchange;
• Building connections between OPINCHARGE and the BATTERY2030+ initiative and community;

PEDAL Consulting presented the progress on Dissemination and Communication Strategy, emphasizing key definitions and the approach to the Exploitation Strategy and IPR Management Plan.

The meeting concluded with a lively general discussion moderated by LIST. The consortium then wrapped up the event with another informative tour of the IMN Lab, showcasing their commitment to unlocking the mysteries of battery technology using cutting-edge tools and machines.

Stay tuned for more updates as OPINCHARGE continues its journey towards revolutionizing battery technology!