Advancement of sustainable battery technology through a research project at the University of Limerick
**University of Limerick's HighMag Project Aims to Revolutionise Battery Technology**
The University of Limerick's HighMag research project is leading the way in developing the next generation of magnesium-based batteries, offering a promising alternative to traditional lithium-ion technologies. This four-year initiative, funded by the European Commission through Horizon Europe, totals over €4.9 million and is a significant step towards sustainable, high-performance energy storage solutions.
Dr. David McNulty, Associate Professor of Energy Materials and Devices at the University of Limerick's Department of Physics and Bernal Institute, is at the helm of this groundbreaking project. The HighMag project brings together 13 academic and industry partners from Europe and Israel, with the aim of accelerating the commercialization of magnesium batteries and reducing reliance on critical raw materials involved in lithium-ion technologies.
The HighMag project is focused on developing magnesium-sulfur (Mg-S) batteries, which boast advanced carbon-sulfur cathodes. These cathodes are engineered using porous carbon materials derived from waste plastics and biomass, a sustainable and cost-effective approach. The materials help suppress polysulfide shuttling—a major performance issue—and enhance electrochemical performance by optimising porosity and integrating electrocatalysts.
The project's objectives extend to creating batteries that are scalable, low-cost, safe, and environmentally friendly, targeting mobility and other energy-intensive applications. Furthermore, the HighMag team is designing batteries compatible with existing lithium-ion production infrastructure, facilitating industry adoption and supporting European strategic autonomy in battery technology.
The University of Limerick's contribution to the HighMag project is centred on sustainable materials development, protective electrode coating, electrochemical optimization, and operando structural characterization. Dr. McNulty is leading all research activities related to the HighMag project at the University of Limerick, with his team focusing on developing sustainable cathodes for Mg-S batteries using porous carbon materials derived from plastic waste and biomass.
The HighMag project is a significant milestone for the University of Limerick, reinforcing its role as a leader in advanced materials synthesis and energy storage research. This research award underscores Dr. McNulty's research, which is at the forefront of Ireland's clean energy innovation. The project's ultimate goal is to drive the European battery sector towards greater sustainability, security, and strategic autonomy.
Dr. McNulty's research at the University of Limerick, focusing on sustainable cathodes for magnesium-sulfur batteries, encompasses the field of environmental science, specifically the use of waste plastics and biomass in battery technology. The HighMag project, aiming to revolutionize battery technology, also integrates elements of science and technology, particularly in the development of advanced carbon-sulfur cathodes and the design of batteries compatible with existing lithium-ion production infrastructure.
