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Rechargeable gas-diffusion electrodes with zeolite, carbon black and polytetrafluoroethylene applicable for rechargeable batteries

Summary

Profile Type
  • Technology offer
POD Reference
TOBG20240117002
Term of Validity
15 July 2025 - 15 July 2026
Company's Country
  • Bulgaria
Type of partnership
  • Commercial agreement with technical assistance
  • Research and development cooperation agreement
Targeted Countries
  • All countries
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General information

Short Summary
A Bulgarian research institute with more than 50 years of experience in electrochemistry and energy systems has developed an innovative technology for a gas-diffusion electrode with zeolite, pre-hydrophobized carbon black and polytetrafluoroethylene applicable for metal-air batteries operating in a highly alkaline electrolyte, intended for energy storage from RES.
Full Description
The Bulgarian research institute has more than 50 years of experience in the research and development in the field of electrochemistry. In the recent years it has developed novel approaches and technologies in the field of hydrogen generation and storage, fuel cells, battery systems, low cost intercalation compounds and nanostructured composite materials for batteries and others. The institute has experience in international joint projects and implementation of technologies in the industry.

The invention relates to rechargeable gas-diffusion electrodes based on zeolite, pre-hydrophobized carbon black and a catalytic layer and is characterized by the use of natural zeolite with a monoclinic crystal structure (clinoptilolite), which is further mixed with the pre-hydrophobized carbon black and hexane to provide better gas permeability, adhesion and increased stability. The electrode allows operation at low to medium high current densities. The technology concept refers to a composite gas-diffusion layer in which a synergistic effect was obtained when mixing zeolite and pre-hydrophobized carbon black. This effect is expressed in the partial preservation of electrical conductivity (compared to carbon-based GDL), as well as increased oxygen permeability (due to the structure of zeolites).
The institute seeks commercial agreements with technical assistance with companies interested in implementing the technology to a marketable product and testing of new application. It will provide the necessary know-how, training and expertise for operation, and adapt the technology to the needs of the company. Research organizations and companies with RD&I activities are sought.
Advantages and Innovations
The invention is characterized by increased chemical, mechanical and electrochemical stability compared to all-carbon-based gas-diffusion electrodes. The gas-diffusion electrode is with high durability during operation, which allows its implementation in rechargeable batteries. The technology is characterized by an easier way of production and lower price in comparison to existing technologies. It has applications in energy storage and battery systems. The innovation provides high energy density, low cost and high stability.
Stage of Development
  • Available for demonstration
Sustainable Development Goals
  • Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
IPR status
  • IPR granted
IPR notes
Available prototype which has been lab tested and adapted to real electrochemical systems. A utility model registration was issued for the innovation by the Patent Office of the Republic of Bulgaria.

Partner Sought

Expected Role of a Partner
The institute seeks commercial agreements with technical assistance with companies interested in implementing the technology to a marketable product and testing of new application. It will provide the necessary know-how, training and expertise for operation, and adapt the technology to the needs of the company. Research organizations and companies with RD&I activities are sought.


Expected role of the partner
- Type of partner sought: the research team is looking for industrial and R&D partners;

- Specific area of activity of the partner: partner sought related to the medical, orthopedy or related sectors; entities working on development and manufacture of composite materials and bio-compatible materials;

- Task to be performed: testing of the prototype, production, marketing or adaptation to specific needs; receiving the necessary know-how from the developer via technical cooperation agreements or research cooperation agreements for joint projects are considered.
Type and Size of Partner
  • SME 11-49
  • R&D Institution
  • SME 50 - 249
  • Big company
Type of partnership
  • Commercial agreement with technical assistance
  • Research and development cooperation agreement

Dissemination

Technology keywords
  • 04001003 - Storage of electricity, batteries
Market keywords
  • 06008 - Energy Storage
Targeted countries
  • All countries