A thermal battery is an innovative device that captures waste heat and transforms it into stored electrical energy — without needing a constant temperature gradient, unlike traditional thermoelectric systems.
Unlike conventional batteries that rely on lithium or rare metals, thermal batteries use proton-conducting materials and solid-state reactions triggered by heat. This makes them more sustainable, safer, and capable of operating over a broader range of temperatures.
The battery charges at high temperatures by triggering a chemical reaction in its electrode materials. Then, when cooled to room temperature, the battery discharges and produces electricity.
This process relies on:
Phase transitions that store or release energy, depending on the temperature
Unlike earlier thermocell batteries, which rely on liquid electrolytes and narrow temperature windows, the Heat2Battery project introduces a fully solid-state thermal battery that can operate across vast temperature differences, for example, greater than 100 K — ideal for harvesting industrial waste heat.
A vast amount of waste heat generated by industrial processes and devices goes unused.
Existing thermal energy storage technologies are limited by narrow temperature ranges determined by the liquid components of the battery and poor energy capacity—making them unsuitable for real-world applications.
Heat2Battery aims to develop a revolutionary solid-state thermal battery that can store and release energy using waste heat without relying on rare materials or constant temperature gradients.
We aim to create a scalable, efficient, and sustainable energy solution that transforms how we harvest and use thermal energy — powering a wide range of applications from IoT sensors to electric vehicles and industrial systems.
Every year, industries dissipate vast amounts of heat that could be recovered and transformed into usable energy. Heat2Battery introduces a groundbreaking solid-state thermal battery designed to efficiently capture and store waste heat, contributing to a more sustainable and energy-efficient future.
Store regenerative braking energy and power onboard
systems.
Provide flexible energy storage for peak shaving and load balancing in renewable-powered grids.
Increase efficiency and cut costs in steel, chemical, and manufacturing plants.
Enable sensors to work in extreme conditions (up to 350°C) — essential for Industry 4.0 and harsh environments.
The Heat2Battery project pushes the boundaries of energy research by exploring how temperature-induced changes in materials can be harnessed for thermal energy storage.
Key scientific goals include:
Understanding Proton Dynamics in Solids
By studying solid electrolytes, the project will deepen our knowledge of ion kinetics under thermal stimuli.
Electrode Phase Transitions
Tuning the electrodes to enhance their energy storage and release capabilities.
Innovative Materials Design
Engineering new solid-state materials that undergo electrochemical changes at specific temperatures to store and release energy.
Multidisciplinary Research
Advancing thin-film fabrication, complex oxide chemistry, and materials characterization — bridging solid-state chemistry, electrochemistry, and materials science.
The project aims to deliver a new class of energy devices that combine heat harvesting and storage — moving beyond conventional batteries or thermoelectric generators.
Model Cell Design
Develop prototype thermal cells that adjust their behaviour over a wide temperature range.
Solid-State Electrolytes
Create electrolytes that enable fast, stable energy cycles between 120 °C and 300 °C.
Advanced Electrodes
Advanced Characterization
Use state-of-the-art diagnostics to refine material selection and system performance.
Demonstration & Testing
Build and validate a proof-of-concept thermal battery, focusing on energy density, voltage output, and cycle life.
