UPC

UP Catalyst is a pioneering Estonian technology startup focused on transforming industrial CO₂ emissions into high-quality carbon nanomaterials and battery-grade graphite through innovative molten salt electrolysis. Additionally, we are expanding our capabilities to convert biomass into hard carbon anode materials, a crucial component for emerging sodium-ion (Na-ion) batteries. This dual approach not only reduces the carbon footprint of Li-ion battery raw materials but also offers a sustainable pathway for the development of Na-ion battery technologies.

By leveraging both CO2 and biomass as feedstocks, UP Catalyst aims to contribute significantly to the EU’s net-zero targets while addressing the growing demand for sustainable energy storage solutions. Our mission is to scale up these sustainable production processes, utilizing at least 200,000 tons of CO2 annually by 2030 and developing biomass-derived hard carbon anodes that can enhance the performance and cost-effectiveness of Na-ion batteries. With strong support from investors and partnerships with leading research institutes, UP Catalyst is poised to become a leader in the sustainable battery materials industry.

UP Catalyst is excited to participate in this project as it aligns with our mission to develop innovative carbon materials for next-generation energy storage solutions. This project marks a significant milestone, as it will be the first time we demonstrate the performance of our hard carbon-based sodium-ion battery (SIB) cells at both the cell and system levels. This comprehensive demonstration will validate the effectiveness of our materials in real-world applications and pave the way for scaling up their production.

By scaling our synthesis and production capacity to tens of kilograms per batch, we aim to bridge the gap between innovation and industrialization. Collaborating with leading research and industry partners in EPISODE project, enables us to refine our processes, ensuring that our sustainable hard carbon materials meet the demands of large-scale energy storage applications. The project supports our goal of enhancing performance while reducing the environmental impact of battery manufacturing.

UP Catalyst has developed a carbonisation and activation technology to produce Na-ion battery anode hard carbon material from renewable wood biomass widely available in Europe, such as lignin from biorefinery’s byproduct. In the EPISODE project, we will scale the synthesis capacities and optimize the process for enhanced electrode performance.