Research on sustainable batteries honoured by The King of Sweden

Sodium-ion batteries

After doctoral studies at Luleå University of Technology, Sajid Alvi is now conducting research in Patrik Johansson's research group at the Department of Physics at Chalmers. His focus is to increase the energy density of sodium-ion batteries for stationary storage using alloy anodes made up of abundant elements. These batteries can withstand very cold environments and could, for example, be recharged using renewable energy and then used to provide electricity to the residents of Passu. Sodium-ion batteries are also being developed by the automotive industry for (short-range) electric cars.

Sajid Alvi's research has now been recognised by the King Carl XVI Gustaf's Foundation for Science, Technology and the Environment. The purpose of the foundation is to promote research, technological development and entrepreneurship that contribute to the sustainable use of natural resources and the conservation of biodiversity.

Resilient supply chains

Electrification and batteries are currently on everyone's lips. Sajid Alvi points out that in order to create resilient supply chains, which create a smaller carbon footprint, we need to have the raw materials for batteries available in our local environment. In Sweden's case, this could mean developing batteries made of sodium-based cathodes and wood-derived hard carbon or alloy-based anodes. In this way, we will also be less dependent on countries where battery-critical elements are usually extracted. There, the supply can be inhibited by political situations, or the extraction could take place in an unsustainable way for people and the environment.

"One of my driving forces is to try to see the big picture. In academia, it's easy for us to work with inventions, in very focused areas, but if you look at the bigger picture and how things are connected, you can easily move towards innovation. I also think that when it comes to battery research, we need more interdisciplinary research, where different departments collaborate with each other. Each section of the battery is a world unto itself."

Reception at the Royal Palace

The monetary grant Sajid Alvi is now receiving from the King's Foundation will be used to study alloy anode materials for sodium-ion batteries at synchrotron facilities, such as MAX IV in Lund, and to attend international battery conferences in order to build networks and knowledge.

"It feels a little unreal and a bit overwhelming to be recognised by the King. It really is a great honour!" says Sajid Alvi, who together with the foundation's other grant recipients of 2024 will receive the award from His Majesty the King during a ceremony at the Royal Palace on 10 June.

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