SPACER — “Shaping Porous Electrode Architecture to Improve Current Density and Energy Efficiency in Redox-Flow Batteries” — is a new Marie Skłodowska-Curie doctoral network coordinated by Fraunhofer ICT. 17 doctoral researchers from several European countries will develop next-generation porous electrode architectures for redox-flow batteries.
The network’s goal: electrodes that are 20 to 30 percent more powerful and up to 50 percent cheaper than today’s solutions, with energy efficiencies above 85 to 90 percent — a decisive step towards more affordable long-term energy storage.
The research combines modelling, advanced manufacturing (e.g. stereolithography, 3D printing and textile technologies) and high-tech validation methods to systematically optimize electrolyte flow and current distribution on the micro-, meso- and macroscale. At the end of the project, the new electrodes will be validated in near-application test setups by the industrial partner Pinflow Energy Storage S.R.O. — a key step towards market readiness (Technology Readiness Level 6).
The first kick-off meeting with the doctoral candidates took place in June 2026 at the University of Chemistry and Technology Prague. SPACER is funded by the European Union under Grant Agreement No. 101226997. More information: www.rfb-spacer.eu