Program Overview

Program Overview

The course "Li-ion batteries: devices for sustainable energy storage" is a comprehensive program that delves into secondary aprotic lithium-ion batteries and related technologies. It emphasizes key components, safety challenges, and the importance of sustainable practices such as recycling and improving materials.

Course Description

The course covers innovations aimed at enhancing performance while ensuring safety and environmental impact considerations in scaling up for electric traction. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the advancements and challenges crucial for the sustainable development of lithium-ion technology in energy storage systems.

Total Workload

The total workload of the course is 15 hours.

Providers

This MOOC is provided by Politecnico di Milano, Politecnico di Torino, Alma Mater Studiorium Università di Bologna, Università degli Studi di Milano Bicocca, Sapienza Università di Roma.

Funding

The project is promoted by MOST - Centro Nazionale per la Mobilità Sostenibile, Spoke Leader SP04 – Trasporto Ferroviario. The project is financed by the European Union - NextGenerationEU – Piano Nazionale Resistenza e Resilienza (PNRR) - Missione 4 Componente 2 Investimento 1.4 – Progetto CN_ denominato Sustainable Mobility Center CUP D43C.

Intended Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Explain the fundamental chemical and physical principles governing lithium-ion electrochemical energy storage systems
• Compare and evaluate different commercial formulations and innovative research trends in lithium-ion battery materials
• Apply analytical methods to assess the performance, efficiency, and trade-offs of lithium-ion battery technologies
• Demonstrate technical competence in identifying and optimizing material properties for cathodes and anodes
• Identify potential safety risks related to electrical, thermal, and mechanical abuse in lithium-ion batteries
• Discuss the environmental and economic implications of lithium-ion battery production
• Integrate sustainability principles into the design, use, and end-of-life management of lithium-ion batteries

Prerequisites

Master degree in STEM disciplines

Activities

Participants will have the opportunity to discuss course topics and share ideas with peers in the Forum of this MOOC.

Section Outline

The course is divided into several weeks, including:

• Week 3 - Safety and hazard: understanding fundamental safety risks associated with lithium-ion technology

Assessment

The final grade for the course will be based on the results of answers to assessed quizzes. Participants must score 60% (or higher) in each one of the assessed quizzes to successfully complete the course.

Certificate

Participants can achieve a certificate in the form of an Open Badge for this course if they reach at least 60% of the total score in each one of the assessed quizzes and fill in the final survey.

Information about Fees and Access to Materials

The course is completely online and absolutely free of charge.

Course Faculty

The course faculty includes:

• Sergio Brutti
• Riccardo Ruffo
• Giuseppe Elia
• Simone d'Agostino
• Antunes Staffolani
• Alessandro Piovano
• Paola Russo
• Micol di Veroli

Additional Contributions

The course also includes contributions from:

• Chiara Ferrara
• Claudio Gerbaldi
• Ludovica D'Annibale
• Matteo Busato
• Matteo Bonomo
• Francesca Pagnanelli
• Francesca Soavi
• Hamideh Darjazi