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Tuning the nano-pore structure of hard carbons for faster-charging and longer-life sodium-ion batteries

Researchers designed hard carbon materials with different pore structures using lignin precursors, revealing that smaller pores facilitate sodium-ion storage performance. The study provides theoretical guidance for designing high-performance HC anodes, enabling long cycling life of sodium-ion batteries.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 6, 2026

Deep-learning framework breakthrough: AI-guided heterogeneous cathode design supercharges lithium-ion battery kinetics

A deep-learning framework has been developed to optimize heterogeneous cathode design, leading to improved lithium-ion battery kinetics. The framework uses a conditional generative adversarial network and particle swarm optimization to achieve high-fidelity simulation-based guidance for next-generation battery cathode design.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalENGINEERING Energy·TypeNews article·DateNov 3, 2026

Dongguk University researchers develop new ultrathin battery platform with enhanced energy density

Researchers developed an anode-less thin film battery architecture using a Sn/C interlayer to guide Li deposition, promoting uniform plating and reducing Li loss. The resulting battery achieved a volumetric energy density of 235.13 Wh/L and an overall thickness of just 2.77 micrometers.

SourceDongguk University Evaluation and Audit Team·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 3, 2026

Exploring sodium batteries down to the atom

A recent study examines the effects of electron microscopes on sodium batteries, highlighting the need for caution when analyzing battery materials. The research, led by University of Chicago PhD student Thomas Marchese, aims to improve the efficiency and sustainability of energy storage devices.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalMicroscopy and Microanalysis·DateNov 2, 2026

Chonnam National University researchers develop a new non-flammable and more durable electrolyte for sodium metal batteries

Researchers at Chonnam National University have developed a new electrolyte for sodium metal batteries that addresses safety and stability issues. The new electrolyte, known as PDES, combines efficient Na ion transport with improved safety and leakage resistance, making it a promising candidate for practical sodium-metal batteries.

HKUST develops dynamic integrated interface engineering for lithium metal batteries

Researchers at HKUST developed a dynamic integrated interface engineering strategy to enhance energy density and stability of anode-free lithium metal batteries. The strategy achieved a specific energy of 467 Wh kg’, comparable to conventional commercial batteries, and retained 90% of its capacity after 200 cycles.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeCase study·DateOct 22, 2026

Wider approach needed to mitigate rising rechargeable battery emissions

A new University of Melbourne-led study suggests that reducing battery sizes, extending lifetimes, and promoting shared mobility can help reduce predicted global carbon dioxide-equivalent LIB emissions to around half by 2050. Cleaner production methods, such as switching battery chemistries and greener factories, are also essential, bu...

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalOne Earth·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 16, 2026

No battery needed: Robot skin harvests power as it walks

Researchers develop a microrobot skin that converts chemical energy from the substrate and atmospheric moisture into electricity. The skin can sense the surface beneath it and detect different materials, allowing the robot to recognize its environment and actively seek energy-rich paths.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 30, 2026

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