Berlin Batteries and Energy Storage

The Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM), the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB), and Humboldt University of Berlin (HU) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish the Berlin Battery Lab. The lab will pool the expertise of the three institutions to advance the development of sustainable battery technologies.

Berlin has established itself as an important location for research into sodium-ion batteries and lithium-sulfur batteries. The city offers concentrated expertise in these areas, supported by numerous research projects and high-profile research groups.

Battery systems encompass everything from individual cells to battery packs, including the connection, sensors, casing and tests for energy storage solutions as well as battery management. Battery systems are designed based on their objective which is shaped by the power, energy, and grid connection requirements.

Our research focuses on developing and designing battery materials from abundant and sustainable sources. We explore lithium-sulfur, polymer, and sodium-ion materials to create innovative energy storage solutions. By combining material design with rigorous device testing, we assess performance from lab-scale experiments to functional pouch cells.

While lithium-ion batteries have dominated the energy storage landscape, there is a growing interest in exploring alternative battery technologies that offer improved performance, safety, and sustainability .

Metal-ion batteries have become influential in the realm of energy storage, offering versatility and advancements beyond traditional lithium-ion systems. Sodium-ion batteries have emerged as a notable alternative due to the abundance of sodium, presenting a potential for cost-effective energy storage solutions .