Program Overview

Course Description

The course "Li-ion batteries: devices for sustainable energy storage" 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. 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 of the Course

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, including the roles of key components such as cathodes, anodes, electrolytes, and separators.
• Compare and evaluate different commercial formulations and innovative research trends in lithium-ion battery materials, focusing on performance indicators and application-specific requirements.
• Apply analytical methods to assess the performance, efficiency, and trade-offs of lithium-ion battery technologies in various real-world scenarios.
• Demonstrate technical competence in identifying and optimizing material properties for cathodes and anodes to support the development and improvement of battery products.
• Identify potential safety risks related to electrical, thermal, and mechanical abuse in lithium-ion batteries, and describe effective mitigation strategies and safety protocols.
• Discuss the environmental and economic implications of lithium-ion battery production, with a focus on critical raw materials, recycling processes, and circularity.
• Integrate sustainability principles into the design, use, and end-of-life management of lithium-ion batteries, contributing to more responsible and future-oriented energy solutions.

Prerequisites

A Master's degree in STEM disciplines is required.

Activities

Participants will have the opportunity to discuss course topics and share ideas with peers in the Forum of this MOOC. The forum is freely accessible, and participation is not guided.

Section Outline

The course is divided into weeks, each covering a specific topic:

• Week 1 - Performance descriptors: Understanding fundamental principles governing electrochemical energy storage systems, particularly lithium-ion technology.
• Week 2 - Functional Components: Introduction to key components such as anodes, cathodes, electrolytes, and separators.
• Week 3 - Safety and hazard: Identifying potential safety risks and describing effective mitigation strategies.
• Week 4 - Sustainability and recycling: Discussing environmental and economic implications of lithium-ion battery production.

Assessment

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

Certificate

Participants can achieve a certificate in the form of an Open Badge for this course by reaching at least 60% of the total score in each assessed quiz and filling in the final survey.

Course Faculty

The course faculty includes:

• Sergio Brutti, Associate Professor of Chemical Physics at the University of Rome La Sapienza.
• Riccardo Ruffo, Full Professor of Chemical Physics at the University of Milano-Bicocca.
• Giuseppe Elia, Associate Professor of Chemical Physics at the Politecnico di Torino.
• Simone d'Agostino, Associate Professor of Inorganic Chemistry at the University of Bologna Alma Mater.
• Antunes Staffolani, Assistant Professor (RTDA) of Inorganic Chemistry at the Alma Mater University of Bologna.
• Alessandro Piovano, Assistant Professor (RTDA) at Politecnico di Torino.
• Paola Russo, Full Professor of Technological Industrial Chemistry at the University of Rome La Sapienza.
• Micol di Veroli, PhD student in Electrical Engineering for Materials and Nanotechnology at the University of Rome La Sapienza.

Additional Contributions

The course also includes contributions from other experts in the field, including Chiara Ferrara, Claudio Gerbaldi, Ludovica D'Annibale, Matteo Busato, Matteo Bonomo, and Francesca Pagnanelli.