The maritime sector needs batteries for the transition to zero-emission shipping. This project investigates batteries that are specifically suitable for the maritime sector. These batteries need to be safer and cheaper, and to have a longer life-time. They need to be based on non-critical materials that can be used in a circular way. Furthermore, they need to be used optimally in the energy system of the ship. The aim is that the Dutch maritime industry develops the capability to apply circular battery technology to build ships with lower emissions.

The energy transition requires new materials for greening chemistry and transportation. Electrolyzers and fuel cells need more efficient electrodes and more robust membranes. Scarce materials call for everyday alternatives. PLD4Energy is a Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) facility for producing such thin film (membrane) alternatives. It is tailored to research for energy applications. PLD has the right in-situ diagnostics to move from small to larger film areas in a controlled manner. The facility lends itself to fundamental research, as well as the next, essential step: actual implementation. PLD4Energy welcomes external researchers and also companies that want to test commercial applications.

The CLEAR initiative (Chemistry Learning for Environmental Action and Responsibility) at the University of Twente integrates systems thinking into the Chemical Science & Engineering programme, to tackle sustainability challenges. Students develop systems thinking to visualize interconnections, examine changes over time, and analyse how system-level phenomena emerge from the interactions of parts. CLEAR helps students tackle sustainability challenges like carbon emissions and climate change, focusing on three pillars: 1. Essential-Skills Development 2. Sustainability-Driven Curriculum 3. Supportive Learning Environment

In this project materials systems will be designed that deform and move when light reaches them. This will be realized through a combination of piezo and photovoltaic materials. We call these systems piezo-photomotion devices. It will be explored whether these systems can enable driving of nanorobots and membranes for application in medicine and solar energy conversion.

We work on solar power plants for which buildings, nature, and agriculture surrounding the solar panels play an important role in the solar energy collection. Furthermore, we develop a new type of nanophotonic material which collects sunlight and sends invisible infrared light towards solar panels. This non-harmful, “cold” light is ideal for high solar cell performance and invisible to the human eye, enabling more solar energy production per area at significantly reduced cost, environmental burden, and landscale alteration. With our multidisciplinary team, we investigate technicial and business possibilities, as well as environmental and societal impacts.