NextGen

Advanced Cathodes for Next Generation Batteries

January 1, 2022 – Dec 31, 2024

The Project NextGen: Advanced Cathode Materials for Next Generation Batteries is one of the three projects under the Advanced Batteries Center (ABC) of the Philippines. Program ABC is funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through the Niche Centers in the Regions (NICER) for R&D Program. NextGen focuses on the identification, synthesis, and testing of novel cathode materials based on earth-abundant elements (Ni, Fe) for high energy density batteries for next generation batteries (Li-ion, Na-ion, Mg-ion, multi-ion).

To meet the ever growing performance requirements for energy storage technologies, research on new materials is headed towards capacity enhancement and improving the energy and/or power density of storage technologies, while producing cost-effective, non-toxic, and sustainable batteries. Thus, Project NextGen is motivated to discover novel high energy density cathode materials that lead to sustainable battery chemistries with exciting new properties!

This project aims to develop advanced high iron or nickel content cathodes for next-generation batteries (i.e., Li-ion, Na-ion, Mg-ion, multi-ion) to promote the use of conflict-free elements and enable non-lithium-based ion batteries. Specifically, this project will:

Explore discovered iron- or nickel-based compounds, which have not been utilized for battery applications, in material databases.
Synthesize and characterize novel iron- or nickel-based inorganic compounds with tailor-made properties for use as cathodes.
Fabricate and test cells utilizing the synthesized cathode materials.
Establish the Joint NICER Laboratory, an advanced battery research center.

State of Charge: Taking Stock of Recent Developments in the Age of Batteries (NICER ABC Battery Symposium)

The NICER Advanced Batteries Center (ABC) NextGen and REBCell Project researchers and staff organized the NICER ABC Battery Symposium entitled State of Charge: Taking Stock of Recent Developments in the Age of Batteries last November 7 and 9, 2022 in Quezon City, Philippines. The first day was a series of talks by battery experts from the fields of research and academe, government, start-ups, large-scale manufacturing, and industry. The second day was a lab tour of the facility of the NICER ABC ALAB-EU project at the Technological Institute of the Philippines. The event was attended by students and researchers in the field of batteries.

83rd Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers (PIChE) National Convention

The DOST NICER Advanced Batteries Center (ABC) researchers attended the 83rd Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers (PIChE) National Convention held last September 14-16, 2022 in Pampanga, Philippines. The PIChE NatCon is a gathering of chemical engineers representing over 40 chapters based in the Philippines and abroad. With the theme “ChE Unlocked: Exploring Specializations in Addressing Global Changes” the event had several plenary and thematic session talks covering different chemical engineering specializations.

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/advancedbatteries

Email: Prof. Joey D. Ocon, Ph.D. (Project Leader)