Rigaku Battery Forum 2025
Shaping Future Energy Storage: Trends, Innovations, and Solutions
The Battery Forum 2025, hosted on June 24–25 at Rigaku Europe SE in Neu-Isenburg, brought together leading experts from academia, industry, and applied research to explore the latest developments in battery science and technology.
With topics ranging from nanomaterials and operando analytics to sulfur chemistries, CT inspection, and EU regulation, the forum highlighted how innovation, collaboration, and advanced instrumentation are shaping the battery landscape.
Day 1: Materials, Methods & Sustainability
The day began with strategic insights. Michael Strobel (P3 Automotive) emphasised the importance of establishing a robust and competitive European battery value chain, especially given China’s technological superiority. Prof. Dr. Anke Weidenkaff (TU Darmstadt) then gave a compelling presentation on the importance of embedding sustainability and circularity into battery design from the outset.
Technical presentations explored materials and diagnostics. Dr. Franz Schmidt (Evonik Operations) presented on fumed metal oxides in lithium-ion batteries. Dr. Gerald Kada (10-9 Nano Science & Consulting) spoke about multi-scale diagnostics. Dr. Robert Bücker (Rigaku Europe) presented on nanostructural analysis via electron diffraction.
Further insights came from Yuji Shiramata (Rigaku Japan) and Dr. Stephan Wollstadt (Rigaku Europe), who presented the latest XRD-based solutions for in-depth analysis of battery materials.
Recycling and Secondary Materials
The afternoon session focused on battery recycling and the handling of secondary materials. Dr Sebastian Recknagel (BAM) presented certified reference materials for black mass. Dr. Rainer Schramm (FLUXANA) explained fusion-based sample preparation. Carmen Kaiser-Brügmann (Rigaku Europe) demonstrated WDXRF and SQX FP software for the accurate analysis of complex recyclables.
Community and Connection
Beyond presentations, the forum emphasized interpersonal exchange. Informal discussions during breaks and a networking dinner created space for collaboration, reflection, and new partnerships.
Day 2: New Chemistries & Manufacturing Innovations
The second day began with lithium–sulfur batteries: Dr. Rafael Müller (HZB) shared operando studies, while Dr. Ulrich Ehmes (theion GmbH) presented a scalable sulfur-based alternative. Electrolytes were addressed by Dr. Johannes Kasnatscheew (MEET) and Prof. Dr. Tom Nilges (TUM), who highlighted advances in liquid and solid systems.
In production and inspection, Dr. Patrick Harte (Fraunhofer FFB) introduced a pilot line for fast scaling, Florian Kößler (KIT) discussed agile manufacturing, and Dr. Steven Oeckl (Fraunhofer IIS) with Dr. Ramil Gainov (Rigaku Europe) showcased CT-based defect detection.
Final Takeaways
Battery Forum 2025 concluded with a strong message: the future of energy storage depends on cross-disciplinary collaboration—uniting sustainable materials, scalable manufacturing, and advanced diagnostic technologies.
Reflecting this commitment, Rigaku offset 10–15 tons of CO₂ generated by the event through certified carbon credits supporting Ecuador’s Pichacay Landfill Gas Project, contributing to its broader goal of halving emissions by 2030.
More than just a technical forum, the event brought together a dedicated community driving innovation and shaping a cleaner, more efficient energy future.