ElectroLab X is the flagship research and innovation facility of ACE-FUELS—a 373 m² state-of-the-art laboratory designed to accelerate breakthroughs in clean energy technologies. The facility integrates advanced materials fabrication, in situ characterization, and computational modelling to enable rapid translation from discovery to deployment.
Supported by the ACE-FUELS General Purpose Research Laboratory (GPRL), ElectroLab X provides a seamless workflow from materials synthesis to device fabrication, positioning it as a hub for cutting-edge research, advanced graduate training, and industry collaboration across Africa.
ElectroLab X drives high-impact research and innovation while building the next generation of scientists and engineers, fostering strong industry partnerships, and supporting Africa’s transition to sustainable energy systems.
To lead Africa’s transformation into a global innovation hub for advanced electrochemical and materials science technologies, powering a sustainable, energy-secure future.
To advance frontier research, interdisciplinary training, and technology co-development in solar cells, batteries, green hydrogen, carbon capture, and electrochemical systems through cutting-edge experimentation, computational modeling, and strategic collaboration.
Development and scale-up of perovskite, organic, and hybrid solar cells with emphasis on stability, encapsulation, scalable printing, and radiation-hardening for space/extreme terrestrial applications.
Advanced materials and architectures for sodium-ion, zinc-air, redox-flow, and solid-state batteries. Full coin, cylindrical, and pouch cell prototyping lines enable end-to-end development from slurry mixing to prototype testing.
End-to-end research on production, storage, and utilization using renewable-powered electrolysis and advanced electrocatalysts. Includes electrolyzer design, catalyst testing, and power-to-gas integration for clean fuels.
Sorbent materials, membranes, and electrochemical systems for CO₂ capture from air/point sources. Conversion routes to fuels, chemicals (formic acid), and materials via MOF-based direct air capture devices.
Corrosion protection, electrocatalysis, water-splitting, hydrogen barrier coatings, and protective films for energy systems operating in harsh African environments.
DFT, molecular dynamics, and machine learning for materials screening, interface engineering, and property prediction across all platforms.
ElectroLab X hosts a comprehensive suite of advanced fabrication, prototyping, and characterization infrastructure, enabling the rapid translation of materials research into high-performance clean energy devices.
| Project | Funder | Focus | Status |
| StamiNa Project | UK Research & Innovation | Na-ion swappable battery pack for East African e-mobility | Active (2025) |
| REACH-PSM | UKRI Ayrton Challenge Fund | Scalable perovskite solar module manufacturing in Africa | Active (2024) |
| Faraday Institution Battery Ambassador | Faraday Institution (UK) | Nigeria’s battery innovation leadership | Reappointed 2025 |
| Solar-Powered Cooling Systems | UK KTP (Univ. Birmingham) | Solar cold storage for post-harvest loss reduction | Active (2024) |
| Ti-Doped Na-Ion Cathodes | TETFund IBR | O3-type cathode optimization for SIBs | Active (2024) |
| MOF Direct Air Capture Device | TETFund National Research Fund | CO₂ capture and electrochemical reduction to formic acid | Awarded (2025) |
ElectroLab X is embedded within a dynamic international ecosystem of leading universities, research institutions, and industry partners. These collaborations drive cutting-edge research, accelerate technology translation, and position ACE-FUELS as a continental leader in clean energy innovation.
ElectroLab X plays a central role in developing Africa’s next generation of clean energy scientists, engineers, and innovators through immersive, hands-on training and international exposure.
Innovation · Excellence · Sustainability · Collaboration · African Leadership
Photo Gallery of our ElectroLab-X
ACE-FUELS ElectroLab X
ACE-FUELS Complex
Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), Nigeria
