THERMA · High-thermal conductivity nanomodified polymers as lightweight heat-dissipation solutions in e-mobility and energy systems

Europe’s shift toward electric batteries faces a critical challenge: heat management. Even a 2–3 °C rise in an electric vehicle’s battery temperature shortens cycle life by 10–20%, while photovoltaic panels lose ≈0.5% efficiency per °C above 25 °C. Metals and ceramics are conventional thermal conductors, but increase the weight, cost, and add design constraints to heat dissipators, limiting the development of safer and lighter systems.THERMA will pioneer high-temperature polymers (PPS and PEEK) reinforced with nanodiamond and alumina nanoparticles to deliver composites with ≥5 W/m·K thermal conductivity (≈20 times higher than neat PPS/PEEK), combined with electrical insulation, flame resistance, and 3D printability. These materials will enable heat dissipators up to 80% lighter than metals and printable into complex geometries. The methodology integrates laser nanoparticle synthesis with polymer compounding, filament development and additive manufacturing. The resulting heat dissipators will be validated in drone and motorcycle battery modules and solar panels, supporting the EU Green Deal and the Sustainable Mobility Strategy. Hosted at Universitat Jaume I (UJI, ES), in collaboration with Abervian (ES) and SoliTek (LT), experts in e-mobility and photovoltaics, the project will equip the fellow with multidisciplinary training, enable benchmarking of performance under real conditions, and guide the early stages of exploitation of results to maximize impact. For the fellow with proven experience in polymer composites and FDM printing, it provides career development in nanomaterials, thermal metrology, industrial validation, and entrepreneurship, positioning her for leadership in industrial R&D and deep-tech spin-off.THERMA will deliver validated formulations, open datasets, and reproducible heat dissipator demonstrators, establishing the first class of printable polymers that combine heat conduction, electrical insulation, and high-temperature stability.