Fluorescent lamps, ('energy-saving' lamps) are based on the electrical excitation of a mercury plasma which produces a UV radiation, that excite phosphors emitting in the visible range of the spectrum. The most current phosphors are the red (Y, Eu)2O3 ("YOX"), the green (La,Ce,Tb)PO4 ("LAP") and the blue (Ba,Eu)MgAl10O17 ("BAM"). The optimization of a phosphor layer in a lamp is a matter of empiric approach since the global mechanism of interaction between the UV light and the phosphors both depends on intrinsic parameters (such as optical absorption, quantum yield that depend on the crystal chemistry …) or extrinsic parameters (morphology, sintering state … that affect the light propagation). Aging problems also play a primary role in determining the quantum efficiency. These problems originate from defects caused by the interaction with the mercury atoms of the plasma, UV light, elevated temperature (around 150°C). The objectives of this project are triple: 1) First to optimize the preparation of these phosphors from well identified industrial precursors provided by Rhodia. This requires controlling the crystalline structure as well as the microstructure and the powder morphology. Usually, thermal treatments in the presence of a flux, added in minor proportions, are used to homogenise the powder, to optimize its surface states and to eliminate bulk defects. The mechanism of crystal reconstruction during this thermal treatment will be investigated though experiments (ICME, LCMCP) and numerical simulations (XPMC). Moreover, the numerical simulation of light interaction (UV, Visible) with a phosphor layer will allow to define the key parameters to improve the morphology (grain size, packing density, thickness) required for a better luminescence yield (XPMC, Rhodia). 2) A system will be designed to study the accelerated aging of phosphors. This device will simulate the combined action of UV light, temperature and mercury plasma and allow to compare the behaviour of different materials through a standardized and reproducible method. (task of the LOF, ISM) 3) Starting from the experimental results, a structural study will analyze the effects of the aging process on the bulk and the surface defects created by aging processes. chemical solutions will be proposed to stabilize the phosphors against the formation of defects, either by chemical substitutions (chemical trapping of defects, blocking the ionic conductivity …) or by coating with a passivating layer onto the phosphor. The objective of this work is to propose a methodology of quantitative evaluation of powder performances and a prediction of a luminescence yield of a powder coating, from the very first use to its end of life-cycle. Also, the results of this work should allow Rhodia to propose, at a pilot scale, a manufacturing plant optimized phosphors for fluorescent lamps. The numerical approach should make easier the extrapolation possible to other applications (Mercury-free lamps, plasma display panels …).

Knowledge-based improvements of Li-ion battery cost, performance, recyclabiKnowledge-based improvements of Li-ion battery cost, performance, recyclability and safety are needed to enable electric vehicles to rapidly gain market share and reduce CO2 emissions. SPIDER’s advanced, low-cost (75 €/kWh by 2030) battery technology is predicted to bring energy density to ~ 450 Wh/kg by 2030 and power density to 800 W/kg. It operates at a lower, and thus safer, voltage, which enables the use of novel, highly conductive and intrinsically safe liquid electrolytes. Safety concerns will be further eliminated (or strongly reduced), as thermal energy dissipation will be reduced to 4 kW/kg, and thermal runaway temperature increased to over 200°C. Moreover, SPIDER overcomes one of the main Li-ion ageing mechanisms for silicon based anodes: notably, the loss of cyclable lithium, which should increase lifetime to 2000 cycles by 2022 for first life applications with further usefulness up to 5000 cycles in second life (stationary energy storage). In addition, SPIDER’s classic cell manufacturing process with liquid electrolyte will be readily transferable to industry, unlike solid electrolyte designs, which still require the development of complex manufacturing processes. Finally, SPIDER batteries will be designed to be 60% recyclable by weight, and a dedicated recycling process will be developed and evaluated during SPIDER. In addition, SPIDER materials significantly reduce the use of critical raw materials. Finally, four SPIDER partners are identified by the European Battery Alliance as central and strategic for the creation of the needed European battery value chain: SGL, NANO, VMI & SOLVAY. In conclusion, SPIDER proposes a real breakthrough in battery chemistry that can be readily adopted within a sustainable, circular economy by a competitive, European battery value chain to avoid foreign market dependence and to capture the emerging 250 billion € battery market in Europe.

Intensified continuous processes are a key innovation of the last decade for the production of high quality, high value and customer-specific products at competitive prices in a sustainable fashion. To realize the potential of this technology, key steps must be made towards long-term stable, tightly controlled and fully automated production. The goal of the CONSENS project is to advance the continuous production of high-value products meeting high quality demands in flexible intensified continuous plants by introducing novel online sensing equipment and closed-loop control of the key product parameters. CONSENS will focus on flexible continuous plants but the results will be transferable also to large-scale continuous processes. The research and development is driven by industrial case studies from three different areas, spanning the complete value chain of chemical production: complex organic synthesis, speciality polymers, and formulation of complex liquids. Innovative PAT technology will be developed for online concentration measurements (mid-resolution process NMR), for the online non-invasive measurement of rheological properties of complex fluids, and for continuous measurements of fouling in tubular reactors. New model-based adaptive control schemes based on innovative PAT technology will be developed. The project results will be validated in industrial pilot plants for all three types of processes, including validation in production containers that have been developed in the F3 Factory project. Further, methods for sensor failure monitoring, control performance monitoring and engineering support for PAT-based solutions will be developed. The exploitation of the new technologies will be facilitated by a tool for technology evaluation and economic impact assessment. A Cross-sectorial Advisory Board supports the transfer of PAT technologies and adaptive control to neighboring sectors of the European processing industry.