Tyndall National Institute in Cork, Ireland, have hosted a General Assembly meeting of their partners in PLIANT, a major EU energy research project.
PLIANT (Process Line Implementation for Applied Surface Nanotechnologies) draws together leading scientists from across Europe to explore the significant potential of precisely synthesizing nano-structures with tailored properties, on commercially viable scales, via the creation of a number of target pilot line demonstrators.
By simultaneously combining processing technologies, the researchers will help facilitate significant development in nano-manufacturing, leading to the creation of high-capacity batteries, less wasteful solar power generation and highly-efficient lightweight airplanes.
"Tailoring and controlling the nanostructure of surfaces, through processes and effective monitoring, is thereby the key to enhance performance and efficiency of the product," said Dr Holger Althues, coordinator of the PLIANT project.
"Nanomaterials, such as binder-free carbon nanotube films for example, allow for a complete new design of battery electrodes with significantly reduced internal resistance and weight. These properties will increase the electrodes performance and energy density benefitting a number of cost-saving, real-world applications such as batteries and capacitors."
Speaking in advance of the General Assembly, Tyndall CEO, Dr Kieran Drain, said "We're delighted to be hosting our partners in PLIANT here at Tyndall and to have the opportunity to showcase our world-class facilities and research outputs here in Cork. At a time when energy conservation is paramount, Tyndall and its partners are ‘positively leading the charge' to ensure that our future technologies are increasingly efficient and cost-effective. We foresee PLIANT having tremendous commercial potential with extensive opportunities for future nanotechnology development."
PLIANT is funded by the European Union under the FP7 call for funding and draws together partners from the UK, Germany, Switzerland, Finland, Hungary, Austria, Ireland and Israel.
