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KAIST extends lifespan of graphite-free anode-free batteries that could make EV batteries smaller and lighter

Researchers at KAIST have developed a technology to extend the lifespan of anode-free batteries by applying nanofabrication techniques to create uniform sites for lithium deposition and a robust protective layer. This technology enables smaller and lighter EV batteries with improved energy density.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateSep 21, 2026

Batteries that safely break down in the GI tract could improve ingestible devices

Researchers at MIT have created tiny, bioresorbable batteries that can power ingestible electronic devices, such as RFID tags and capsules that stimulate ghrelin production, for up to three days. The batteries, made from magnesium and molybdenum trioxide, can be fully broken down and absorbed by the body, reducing environmental impact.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Chemical Engineering·DateSep 21, 2026

Understanding catalyst failure mechanism guides efficient sulfur conversion in all-solid-state batteries

Researchers developed a high-entropy sulfide catalyst that preserves its structure and suppresses atomic migration, enabling high sulfur utilization and conversion efficiency. The study proposes a failure-mechanism-guided approach to catalyst design, pointing to unresolved questions in all-solid-state sulfur chemistry.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 17, 2026

Hanbat University researchers develop a separator to improve lithium-metal battery performance

Researchers created a cellulose-based separator infused with bikitaite zeolite, which enhances lithium-ion transport and stabilizes the lithium-metal anode. The separator improves high-rate performance of the NCM90 cathode, reducing polarization and facilitating electrochemical reactions.

SourceHanbat National University Industry–University Cooperation Foundation·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2026

Bolstered interfacial field chemistry for deep fast‑charging aqueous zinc metal batteries

Researchers developed a sulfosuccinic acid-enabled interfacial field chemistry strategy to regulate Zn anodes, enabling highly reversible Zn deposition. The optimized electrolyte achieved high Coulombic efficiency and long cycle life, making it suitable for fast-charging and deep Zn utilization.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeNews article·DateSep 13, 2026

Multifunctional conductive and Elastic matrices‑engineered Si nanocomposite anodes for liquid and solid‑state lithium batteries

Researchers developed a novel Si/a-Sn/CoSi2/G/C nanocomposite anode with a hierarchical, multifunctional matrix architecture, achieving simultaneous optimization of electronic conduction, mechanical robustness, and elastic stress recovery without sacrificing practical manufacturability. The anode delivers high reversible capacity, exce...

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeNews article·DateSep 13, 2026

Dual‑ion co‑storage via solvation structure tuning toward ultrafast and durable zinc‑organic batteries

A simple electrolyte-engineering strategy improves zinc-organic battery kinetics and durability, revealing a reversible Zn²⁺/K⁺ co-storage mechanism. KCl introduction reorganizes the Zn²⁺ solvation environment and suppresses cathode dissolution, enabling dual-ion storage.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeNews article·DateSep 10, 2026

Study quantifies how cell-to-cell inconsistency constrains EV battery pack performance

A recent study in Nature Energy has quantified how cell-to-cell inconsistency limits the performance, lifetime, and resource utilization of electric vehicle (EV) battery packs under real-world operating conditions. The researchers found that a small number of faster-ageing cells can severely constrain an entire pack's performance and l...

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalNature Energy·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 9, 2026

Ultramicropore‑confined solvation and interphase regulation unlock high‑performance hard carbon anodes for sodium‑ion batteries

Researchers develop a molecular-level strategy to regulate both pore structure and interfacial chemistry of hard carbon, achieving improved sodium-storage performance. The resulting architecture enables confined electrolyte solvation and promotes the formation of inorganic-rich interphases, leading to substantially improved electrochem...

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeNews article·DateSep 9, 2026

Strategies of designing high‑efficiency electrolyte additives for aqueous magnesium batteries: A review

The review proposes a systematic roadmap for designing next-generation electrolyte additives that can boost discharge potential, utilization efficiency, and specific energy in aqueous Mg batteries. It highlights an often-overlooked contributor to anode self-discharge and introduces two strategic frameworks for binary additive design: m...

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeNews article·DateSep 2, 2026

New tri-layer electrolyte improves safety and lifespan of lithium-metal batteries

Researchers developed a tri-layer composite solid electrolyte with enhanced ionic conductivity and mechanical durability, boosting lithium-ion mobility and suppressing dendrite formation. The new electrolyte achieved nearly four times higher ionic conductivity and demonstrated over 1000 hours of stable cycling in symmetric cell tests.

AI and robotic labs could unlock faster routes to next-generation batteries, fuel cells and green hydrogen technologies

Researchers propose a new AI framework, Generative Electrochemical Intelligence, to accelerate the discovery and development of electrochemical energy technologies. The framework combines generative AI with automated robotic experimentation to create a closed-loop system that can generate new ideas, test them, and learn from feedback.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateAug 25, 2026

How can EU battery regulations help improve global sustainability governance in other sectors?

The EU battery regulations have the potential to improve global sustainability governance by establishing standardized data and calculation methods for environmental performance. This could lead to more comparable and transparent data across the market, but also raises challenges around representativeness and rigor.

Ultra‑sodiophilic mixed conductor interphase enabling uniform top deposition for quasi‑solid‑state sodium‑metal batteries

Researchers develop ultra-sodiophilic mixed conductor interphase that allows for uniform top deposition in quasi-solid-state sodium-metal batteries, overcoming limitations of traditional artificial solid electrolyte interphases. This breakthrough enables long-lasting and high-performance batteries with enhanced safety and energy density.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeNews article·DateAug 13, 2026

Hydrated network interphase with dynamic negatively charged microregion enables ultra‑stable aqueous zinc‑ion batteries

Researchers developed a hydrated network interphase with dynamic negatively charged microregions, overcoming limitations of conventional stabilization methods. The HNI strategy achieves triple synergistic regulation of Zn deposition, leading to improved cycling stability and high-performance energy storage systems.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeNews article·DateAug 13, 2026

Dual-interface strategy unlocks high-performance Ah-level aqueous zinc-iodine pouch cells

Researchers develop a dual-interface coordination orchestration strategy to enable high-energy aqueous zinc-iodine batteries, overcoming challenges in four-electron I chemistry. The approach improves reversibility and stabilizes the Zn electrode, leading to stable cycling and high energy density.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 11, 2026

How scandium can improve the durability of sodium-ion battery electrodes

Researchers discovered that scandium doping and coating improve the durability and performance of sodium-ion batteries by stabilizing the crystal structure and suppressing side reactions. The study found that doping improves bulk stability while coating enhances surface stability, leading to improved capacity retention and long-term cy...

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalSmall·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2026

Multifunctional conductive and elastic matrices‑engineered Si nanocomposite anodes for liquid and solid‑state lithium batteries

Researchers have developed a transformative silicon nanocomposite anode that overcomes longstanding barriers to practical deployment, achieving simultaneous optimization of electronic conduction, mechanical robustness, and elastic stress recovery. The anode delivers exceptional high-rate performance and outstanding cycling stability, m...

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeNews article·DateAug 5, 2026

KAIST brings ‘giant batteries’ closer to commercialization in the AI data center era

A KAIST research team has developed a process that cuts the production time for vanadium redox flow batteries' core material by 67%, overcoming a critical bottleneck to commercialization. This breakthrough could significantly accelerate the development of large-capacity energy storage technology.

Halide‑based solid electrolytes for advanced all‑solid‑state batteries: design, interfaces, and electrochemical performance

Researchers develop a comprehensive roadmap for halide-based solid electrolytes, enabling high-performance and scalable energy storage systems. HSEs exhibit exceptional electrochemical stability, wide stability windows, and enhanced air stability, promising applications in Li-ion, Na-ion, and post-lithium chemistries.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeNews article·DateAug 3, 2026

Hanyang University ERICA researchers uncover a hidden battery flaw that may shorten EV lifespans

A new study by Hanyang University ERICA researchers reveals how air exposure can trigger chemical changes in manganese-coated batteries, accelerating degradation. The team proposes a simple solution to suppress defective surface phases and restore stable manganese-oxygen bonding, leading to improved long-term durability.

SourceHanyang University Research Strategy Planning Team·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2026

Less lithium but faster ion transport: Interfacial percolation offers a new strategy for solid-state electrolytes

Researchers developed a lean-lithium oxychloride solid electrolyte with high ionic conductivity and tunable properties. The interfacial percolation strategy enabled the creation of a continuous transport network throughout the electrolyte, allowing for efficient lithium-ion migration.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 26, 2026

Beyond conventional coatings: a spider-web-like mechanically adaptive interphase enables second-level ultrafast zinc metal batteries

Researchers developed a spider-web-like NBR nanofiber interphase to stabilize zinc metal anodes under extreme current densities. This interphase regulates ion transport, interfacial chemistry, and mechanical deformation, achieving long-life zinc metal batteries with stable cycling and high-power capability.

SourceMaterials Futures·JournalMaterials Futures·DateJul 16, 2026

From passive protection to active regulation: researchers chart the future of zinc-ion batteries with atomic layer deposition

Researchers from Fuzhou University review the potential of Atomic Layer Deposition to regulate interfacial chemistry in zinc-ion batteries, enabling durable high-performance systems. The technique's unique conformality and precision make it suitable for layer-by-layer growth of atomic films on complex battery components.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalENGINEERING Energy·TypeNews article·DateJul 14, 2026

Turning electrochemistry toward lithium extraction

Scientists from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering have made significant strides in extracting lithium using an unconventional method. By applying electrochemical intercalation to a solution containing lithium and sodium ions, they were able to isolate 99% pure lithium with a high level of selectivity. T...

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 1, 2026

Mapping trade-offs to help build better EV batteries

University of Michigan researchers developed a framework to help stakeholders consider economic, environmental, and social trade-offs in EV battery development. The framework aims to balance the needs of various stakeholders, including manufacturers, drivers, and recyclers, to achieve better outcomes for batteries and electric vehicles.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Energy Storage·DateJun 29, 2026

Perspective: Vanadium flow batteries poised to power hundred-megawatt long-duration storage

Researchers have made significant progress in vanadium flow battery technology, overcoming challenges such as limited stack power density, electrolyte stability issues and high material costs. The team has improved the techno-economic performance and engineering readiness of VFB systems through integrated innovation and collaboration w...

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalNature Energy·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 24, 2026