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SPACER partners and doctoral candidates at the project meeting and first training unit, at the University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague (Czech Republic), June 9-11, 2026. - © Fraunhofer ICT

Novel architectures for porous electrodes increase the power density and energy efficiency of redox-flow batteries

The international research network “SPACER” (Shaping Porous Electrode Architecture to Improve Current Density and Energy Efficiency in Redox-Flow Batteries) is developing novel architectures for porous electrodes. The researchers aim to increase the power density and energy efficiency of redox-flow batteries and pave the way to more affordable and durable long-term energy storage. BayBatt is represented in the project through Prof. Dr.-Ing. Christina Roth (Chair of Electrochemical Process Engineering).

The energy transition has increased the demand for energy storage, including long-duration storage solutions like redox-flow batteries (RFBs), which can store electricity from renewable sources for hours or even days. A particularly promising feature of RFBs is the possibility to scale capacity independent of current. On the other hand, they have a high levelized cost of storage and limited power density, in part due to inefficient electrode use and the lack of tailored RFB components. These challenges have so far held back their widespread deployment.

This is where the international research network “SPACER” (EU Grant Agreement No. 101226997) comes in: 17 doctoral researchers from multiple countries are working together on a new generation of high-performance electrodes for redox-flow batteries. From 9th to 11th June 2026 the first kick-off meeting with the doctoral candidates took place at the University of Chemistry and Technology Prague. The goal is ambitious: The new electrodes are set to be 20 to 30 percent more powerful and up to 50 percent cheaper than today's solutions, while achieving energy efficiencies above 85 to 90 percent.

The research team is pursuing hierarchically structured multilayer materials that systematically optimize the flow of electrolyte and current within the battery. Within this project, Prof. Roth's team at the University of Bayreuth will develop functionalised fibre electrodes via electrospinning and core-shell design. Their tasks include adapting electrospinning equipment, producing catalyst-decorated test electrodes, and analysing their morphology and performance. The goal is to improve interface design, catalyst stability, and efficiency in redox flow batteries. 

SPACER is led by the Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology ICT and funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Program of the European Union. Alongside its research objectives, the network aims to prepare its doctoral candidates for a future career in academia or industry. An interdisciplinary European consortium of industrial companies and research organizations will train each doctoral candidate in the skills needed to develop and integrate the new models, materials, and processes in electrochemical energy storage applications.

Read the full press release by Fraunhofer ICT here.