ROLINCAP will search, identify and test novel phase-change solvents, including aqueous and non-aqueous options, as well as phase-change packed bed and Rotating Packed Bed processes for post-combustion CO2 capture. These are high-potential technologies, still in their infancy, with initial evidence pointing to regeneration energy requirements below 2.0 GJ/ton CO2 and considerable reduction of the equipment size, several times compared to conventional processes . These goals will be approached through a holistic decision making framework consisting of methods for modeling and design that have the potential for real breakthroughs in CO2 capture research. The tools proposed in ROLINCAP will cover a vast space of solvent and process options going far beyond the capabilities of existing simulators. ROLINCAP follows a radically new path by proposing one predictive modelling framework, in the form of the SAFT-γ equation of state, for both physical and chemical equilibrium, for a wide range of phase behaviours and of molecular structures. The envisaged thermodynamic model will be used in optimization-based Computer-aided Molecular Design of phase-change solvents in order to identify options beyond the very few previously identified phase-change solvents. Advanced process design approaches will be used for the development of highly intensified Rotating Packed Bed processes. Phase-change solvents will be considered with respect to their economic and operability RPB process characteristics. The sustainability of both the new solvents and the packed-bed and RPB processes will be investigated considering holistic Life Cycle Assessment analysis and Safety Health and Environmental Hazard assessment. Selected phase-change solvents, new RPB column concepts and packing materials will be tested at TRL 4 and 5 pilot plants. Software in the form of a new SAFT-γ equation of state will be tested at TRL 5 in the gPROMS process simulator.

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are considered, at this time, the best compromise between energy cost and performance to provide high energy density storage, as compared to other large-scale battery technologies. LIBs represent also the largest share of the electrical battery storage of our modern society and are considered to be a valid technology during the next twenty years for hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicle applications following their great success in portable electronics. One issue in LIB conversion of chemical energy into electrical is that damages such as overcharging and heating lead to fatal changes in the electrolyte composition and leaks of chemical products outside the battery. To respond to the massive increasing needs in the following short-term perspectives (10-20 years) for electric vehicles, transport and other equivalent applications, battery safety issues on such devices have to evolve to overcome these limitations. NanoTRAACES aims to develop a novel combined microchip integrable into a battery, for the detection of lithium-ion battery (LIB) electrolyte failures. To reach the goal the following objectives are planned: (1) a new concept of sensor, based on real-time liquid leakage detection with high sensitivity will be investigated and fabricated; (2) a rapid detection of battery electrolyte will be achieved in a short time within the system to prevent unexpected exothermal reactions that could encounter fire or equivalent problems for instance; (3) specific molecules will be targeted with a correlated acidity and temperature measurement in the organic electrolyte; (4) an additional gas sensor will be included in the external part of the battery to detect exhaust gas coming from the decomposition of electrolyte, and combined with a second acidity sensor; (5) the regeneration and long-term stability of combined sensors will be tested too; (6) these sensors devices will be integrated into LIBs but integration with new generation batteries will be assessed. The project will contribute to systematic studies for the development and integration of a combined sensor for the detection of traces of protons and molecules released by LIBs using electrical and optical measurements, respectively. Starting from TRL2 (application and validity of the concept validated or demonstrated) moving to TRL5 (component and validation in relevant environment) aiming for a demonstrator at the end of the project to test our concepts onto a model battery. The sensor will be also versatile, to implement in the future onto other new generations of batteries. This new concept is going to be adviced by an industrial partner providing the relevant information and figures of merits on the performance of the sensor and battery.