Self-adaptive, Fire-Safe and Sustainable Thermal Management Materials for Full-Lifecycle Safety of Battery

Objective

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are essential to Europe’s clean energy transition, enabling transport electrification, renewable integration, and climate neutrality. Global demand is projected to exceed 5000 GWh by 2030, yet unresolved full-lifecycle thermal safety challenges pose significant safety, environmental, and economic risks. These risks undermine public trust, industrial competitiveness, and the EU’s leadership in the global battery market. The THERMAL-MATER-BAT project pioneers self-adaptive, fire-safe, and sustainable thermal management materials that intelligently switch between thermal conduction and insulation depending on battery temperature. This functionality closes critical safety gaps by preventing thermal runaway and propagation, while enhancing battery reliability and lifespan. The concept combines temperature-responsive regulators, ceramicized hierarchical structures, bio-based flame retardants, and silicone rubber to deliver superior fire safety and sustainability, fully aligned with the European Green Deal and Sustainable Development Goals. The project pursues four objectives: (O1) design of temperature-responsive thermal regulators; (O2) engineering of ceramicized hierarchical structures; (O3) development of advanced thermal management materials with high safety and sustainability; and (O4) elucidation of performance and underlying mechanisms. This multidisciplinary framework integrates expertise in battery safety, polymer chemistry, and fire science to create materials with direct industrial relevance. EU support is vital to translate this breakthrough into practice. By investing in THERMAL-MATER-BAT, Europe will secure safer, longer-lasting, and greener battery systems, reduce environmental impact, reinforce technological sovereignty, and strengthen its global leadership in sustainable energy storage. The fellowship will advance frontier science while directly contributing to Europe’s green growth, energy security, and societal well-being.