James Cropper plc, the Kendal-based Advanced Materials and Paper & Packaging group, announced that its Advanced Materials division has entered into a collaboration with Oxford University to spearhead the development of next-generation battery electrodes.
Cropper said this project, which is being funded by the Henry Royce Institute’s Industrial Collaboration Programme, aims to “revolutionise battery performance through extensive research into the use of innovative materials.”
Cropper said: “Leveraging the state-of-the-art R&D and analytical facilities at Oxford University and the Henry Royce Institute, the team will investigate the material properties of James Cropper’s advanced carbon fibre nonwoven veils and their correlation to enhanced battery performance, including faster charging times and improved efficiency.
“Oxford University’s Department of Materials is a world-class research institution with expertise in the manufacture, properties, and application of advanced materials. This collaboration represents a significant step towards addressing the evolving demands of the energy storage market and advancing the development of sustainable energy solutions.
“Royce is the UK’s national institute for advanced materials research and innovation. Providing access to world class research capabilities, infrastructure, expertise, and skills development, Royce works with the UK advanced materials community to develop solutions for national and global challenges.
“The Industrial Collaboration Programme connects businesses and research organisations to drive groundbreaking advancements in materials science. The James Cropper and Oxford University battery materials project is scheduled for completion within six months.”
David Hodgson, Chief Technology Officer at James Cropper Advanced Materials, said: “Batteries are pivotal in the global transition away from fossil fuels. However, current technologies face limitations in meeting market demands for higher power, faster charging, and lower costs.
“To address these challenges, we need innovative materials and technologies. Our carbon fibre veils are proving instrumental in unlocking new possibilities.
“This collaboration with Oxford University, supported by Royce’s ICP funding, is significant as it will enable us to thoroughly understand and evaluate how integrating carbon fibre into electrode designs can enhance battery chemistries and performance.”