The project MatrEx is driving the development of an environmentally friendly and cost-efficient method for producing electrodes for lithium-ion batteries. At its core is an innovative solvent-free extrusion process that completely eliminates the use of the commonly applied and environmentally harmful solvent NMP, which currently accounts for a significant share of production costs and requires complex drying procedures.
The project aims to further develop materials, formulations, and production technology to enable the efficient and sustainable manufacturing of high-energy battery cells. To this end, new active materials, PFAS-free binders, and tailored electrolytes are being investigated. In parallel, a digital process model (“digital twin”) supported by artificial intelligence is being developed to accelerate optimization and innovation.
A key focus is also on industrial scalability: the newly developed electrodes will be demonstrated in modern cell formats such as pouch cells and 21700 cylindrical cells. The project thus makes an important contribution to strengthening the competitiveness of the German battery industry and advancing the sustainable transformation of cell production.
