The Physics Department of Sapienza University of Rome has brought to GRAPHERGIA two Italian innovators: Tullio Scopigno, GRAPHERGIA Task Leader and Full Professor, and Giovanni Batignani, Tenure Track Researcher working in the field of nonlinear and time-resolved vibrational spectroscopy. Professor Scopigno leads the Femtoscopy Labs, in which Batignani focuses on the development of experimental, conceptual and numerical protocols able to unravel ultrafast structural and dynamical properties at the molecular and condensed matter levels.
In the GRAPHERGIA project, Sapienza University of Rome is one of the main contributing partners of the Work Package (WP) 3 ‘LIB cells design and assembly using laser-scribed graphene-based anodes’, led by Pleione Energy. WP3 has three main objectives:
- Laser-processed graphene LIB cells design.
- Explore aging mechanism of graphene-based LIB cells.
- Graphene-based LIB cell benchmarking.
In the WP3, Tullio Scopigno and Giovanni Batignani are the leaders of the Task 3.3: Aging mechanisms by in-situ operando characterization using advanced ultrafast techniques, joined by Pleione Energy, FORTH, and Adamant Composites. An accurate aging evaluation of a LIB cell requires in-situ operando characterization, which can provide a comprehensive understanding of the internal aging mechanisms. Kerr-gated Raman and Impulsive transient reflectivity spectroscopies (led by Sapienza University of Rome) will be employed to get important information and advance an accurate diagnosis of the state of charge of graphene and graphene/nanohybrids electrodes, as well as to understand the electron/phonon coupling between the graphene layers and the NPs decorating graphene layers. This is essential for understanding the mechanism of lithiation steps and improve the LIB cells lifetime.
Keep reading to discover how Professor Scopigno and Giovanni Batignani are doing this!
Why did you join the GRAPHERGIA project?
TULLIO SCOPIGNO: To build up a network of excellence revolving around the two project pillars: structural energy harvesting for storage devices and graphene-based flexible.
GIOVANNI BATIGNANI: To foster a network of excellence focusing on graphene-based technologies and efficient energy harvesting. These areas resonate with my goal to advance sustainable energy solutions through nonlinear photonics research.
What does your organisation bring to the project? Can you describe your role in GRAPHERGIA?
TULLIO SCOPIGNO: At the Femtoscopy Labs, which I founded in 2007, we developed an expertise in coherent Raman based characterisation methodologies. More recently, we are moving towards the operando implementation of such approaches. Specifically, we will contribute to the first pillar by applying Kerr-gated Raman and impulsive vibrational spectroscopy via transient reflectivity, to suppress fluorescence signals. These studies will provide unique and accurate diagnosis of the charge state of electrodes, which is essential for improving Li+ cell lifetimes, as well as monitoring of the cell aging by accessing the precise Li inventory of the graphene LIB electrode.
We also possess a deep expertise in studying graphene and graphene/heterostructures non-equilibrium processes; electron-phonon dynamics and energy transfer; transient Raman micro-spectroscopy, and ultrafast dynamics in condensed matter. These are all facets relevant for the fundamental science related to the second pillar, focused on graphene-based textile.
GIOVANNI BATIGNANI: The Femtoscopy team specializes in nonlinear Raman spectroscopy. Our role in GRAPHERGIA spans two research lines: firstly, we will apply Kerr-gated Raman and impulsive vibrational spectroscopy to enhance electrode diagnostics for improved Li-ion cell performance and longevity. Secondly, our expertise in electron-phonon dynamics and transient Raman spectro-microscopy will support fundamental research behind graphene-based textiles, crucial for their development and integration into smart technologies.
What expectations do you have for the project from your personal/organisational perspective?
TULLIO SCOPIGNO: I look forward to expanding the potential of our methodologies from fundamental research to application by involving leading groups in materials synthesis, engineering and characterization.
GIOVANNI BATIGNANI: I aim to steer our nonlinear Raman methodologies towards practical applications by collaborating with leading groups in materials synthesis and characterization.
Which impact will GRAPHERGIA have on industry and society in the short and long term?
TULLIO SCOPIGNO: In the short term, I foresee novel materials and advanced electrode fabrication for LIB cells based on 2D materials. These advances will lead in the long term to novel concepts in the smart clothing industry, IoT sensors, and efficient energy management of LIB cells.
The development of less intensive processes for the fabrication of graphene electrodes will reduce carbon emission and waste. Also, the new generation of eco-designed low-cost wearables with numerous applications in various IoT-related sectors as personalized healthcare, sports, fashion, gaming, and communication, jointly with safer and more durable energy storage cells, will improve in the long term EU citizens quality of life.
GIOVANNI BATIGNANI: In the short term, supported by state-of-the-art characterization spectroscopic tools, GRAPHERGIA will yield novel materials and advanced electrode fabrication techniques for LIB cells, enhancing their efficiency and sustainability. Looking ahead, it promises to enhance smart clothing industries, IoT applications, and energy management, contributing to improved quality of life through eco-designed wearables and safer energy storage solutions.
How do you see the power of graphene materials transforming the European energy markets? What benefits can it bring to science, economy and society in general?
TULLIO SCOPIGNO: The products and the processes of GRAPHERGIA will impact various segments of the value chain:
- The use of biomass-derived materials as precursors decomposing into graphene based structures will lessen the need to use GNM based on natural graphite; hence reducing the use of CRMs in the supply segment.
- The use of raw materials and chemicals, required for the chemical processes in the production and development segments, will be reduced by adopting the project process for graphene production, as heteroatom-doped graphene and nanohybrids will be produced in a single step by co decomposition of proper precursors.
- The direct integration of graphene into the device components will strongly benefit the development segment of the value chain.
GIOVANNI BATIGNANI: GRAPHERGIA promises to impact multiple sectors transforming the global energy markets: it will reduce reliance on natural graphite for biomass-derived graphene production, minimizing critical raw material usage. Moreover, I’m convinced that GRAPHERGIA has the potential to drive scientific innovation, economic growth, and environmental sustainability across Europe, by streamlining graphene integration into device components while also enhancing production efficiency.