The research project NIBAT (Nitriles as Electrolyte Components in Batteries), is a collaborative initiative dedicated to unlocking the potential of nitrile-based electrolyte technologies for the next generation of stationary energy storage systems. The three-year project started on September 1, 2026, and brings together leading partners from across the German battery value chain.
As demand for reliable and efficient energy storage continues to grow alongside the expansion of renewable energy, innovative battery materials become increasingly important. NIBAT aims to develop a deeper understanding of how nitriles influence battery performance and to translate this knowledge into advanced electrolyte formulations and improved battery cell technologies for stationary storage applications.
The project investigates nitriles both as electrolyte additives and as primary electrolyte components across a range of battery technologies, including lithium-ion batteries with high-nickel cathodes, high-voltage lithium-ion cells, niobium-anode systems, and sodium-ion batteries. By tailoring electrolyte systems to these emerging cell chemistries, the consortium seeks to improve cycle life, temperature performance, fast-charging capability, energy density, and safety.
The project follows a structured development pathway from laboratory-scale screening to industrial demonstration cells, ensuring that promising results can be evaluated under application-relevant conditions. Beyond scientific insights into electrolyte mechanisms, NIBAT aims to create viable pathways for future commercial battery products and strengthen Europe’s battery ecosystem.
