Scientific Work Packages

WP1 aims to deliver scalable cell components and integrated RZAB prototypes that combine long life, safety, manufacturability and sustainability by running parallel, tightly coupled development tracks for anodes, electrode/electrolyte interfaces, gel polymer electrolytes and air-cathodes.

To prevent corrosion and direct ion movement, partner teams will integrate sophisticated electrode engineering with specially designed artificial interface layers.

In parallel, sustainable gel polymer electrolytes built from nature-based 3D porous nanomaterials and functional additives will be developed and 3D-printed for mechanical robustness and ion conduction, while cathode teams optimise hydrophilicity, mass transport and M/MxOy@WC bifunctional catalysts.

Scalable cell components and integrated RZAB prototypes that satisfy long life, safety, manufacturability, and sustainability goals are the deliverables of WP1, feeding directly into WP2, WP4 and WP5.

Aims target the design, fabrication and validation of high-energy, high-power and fully circular supercapacitors and Zn-ion capacitors by integrating materials innovation, scalable manufacturing and end- of-life strategies. By valuing component architectures and spearheading research on closed-loop end-of-life solutions, academic partners and industry will create complementary pathways based on the electrode/interface and gel-electrolyte concepts from WP1.

Will deliver the mechanistic insight and digital infrastructure needed to accelerate RZAB and SC development by combining operando experiments, advanced numerical modelling and a practical Digital Twin (DT). The DT architecture will enable real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance and design optimisation. WP3 turns operando observation into predictive models and digital tools that shorten development cycles.

Will establish the circular, industry-ready backbone for INCEPTION by embedding Safe & Sustainable-by-Design (SSbD) and prospective life-cycle thinking into every stage from manufacture to end-of-life.

Material-centric reuse strategies will be complemented by bio-based options developed with associated partners to improve recyclability and performance. To ensure that the project is manufacturable and verifiable, all activities will feed an INCEPTION Observatory.

Will create exploitable business models, promote targeted distribution, and lay the foundation for industrial acceptance across EU and international markets in order to turn INCEPTION's scientific and technological advancements into practical value.