How can we make next-generation energy storage safer, more durable, and autonomous? On 25 June 2026, the PHOENIX project teamed up with a peer project GRAPHERGIA for an online webinar exploring cutting-edge solutions in European energy storage research.

The session brought together scientists, industrial partners, and stakeholders to discuss two critical frontiers: advanced self-healing battery technologies and high-performance flexible micro-supercapacitors. Attended by 37 participants, the event highlighted the strong collaborative spirit driving Europe’s transition toward sustainable, next-generation electronic devices and storage systems.

The webinar was moderated by Dr. Apurba Ray, Research Scientist at the German Aerospace Center (DLR), and PHOENIX and GRAPHERGIA partner, who guided the scientific dialogue and facilitated a dynamic exchange between the two projects.

Spotlighting PHOENIX: smart sensing and autonomous healing

The spotlight on battery innovation was led by Dr. Kamil Burak Dermenci, Senior Researcher at the Battery Innovation Centre of Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and PHOENIX scientific coordinator.

In his keynote presentation, titled “Advancing Self-Healing Battery Technologies Through Integrated Sensing and Triggering,” Dr. Dermenci presented PHOENIX’s core technological breakthroughs. He demonstrated how embedding advanced sensing and triggering mechanisms directly inside battery cells allows them to actively monitor their own health, detect early signs of internal degradation, and autonomously trigger self-healing chemical processes before catastrophic failure occurs.

These smart functionalities represent a paradigm shift for the BATTERY 2030+ ecosystem, significantly improving battery safety, extending operational service life, and lowering overall lifecycle costs.

Complementary innovations from GRAPHERGIA

Providing a compelling complementary perspective, Dr. Rabah Boukherroub (CNRS, Institute of Electronics, Microelectronics and Nanotechnology – IEMN, University of Lille) delivered a keynote on the development of high-performance flexible micro-supercapacitors.

Dr. Boukherroub showcased recent advancements in novel electrode materials and innovative device architectures designed to operate within a wide working voltage window. His presentation highlighted how these devices achieve exceptional energy density while maintaining the rapid charging capabilities, long-term cycling stability, and mechanical flexibility required for wearable electronics and smart IoT devices.

Fostering European synergies

The webinar concluded with an interactive Q&A session, where attendees engaged with the speakers on real-world commercialisation challenges, Technology Readiness Levels, and the pathway from laboratory prototypes to industrial integration.

This joint event underscores PHOENIX’s ongoing commitment to active cross-project collaboration and knowledge exchange. By sharing insights and aligning technical roadmaps with projects like GRAPHERGIA, we continue to strengthen the impact of European research in the global energy storage landscape.

Did you miss the live session? Watch the recording below: