Scientists at the University of Surrey have made a breakthrough in eco-friendly batteries that not only store more energy but could also help tackle carbon emissions.
Lithium–CO₂ batteries, sometimes called ‘breathing’ batteries, generate power while absorbing CO₂ – a potential green upgrade to today’s lithium-ion tech.
Until now, these batteries faced major hurdles: poor rechargeability, rapid degradation and a reliance on costly rare materials like platinum.
Researchers at Surrey have overcome these issues by using a low-cost, scalable catalyst called caesium phosphomolybdate (CPM).
Tests showed that CPM-enabled batteries store more energy, charge more efficiently and last over 100 cycles.
Published in Advanced Science, the study marks a key step toward commercial use – with potential applications ranging from carbon-neutral vehicles to Mars missions, where CO₂ dominates the atmosphere.
Dr Siddharth Gadkari from Surrey’s School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering said:
“One of the biggest challenges with these batteries is ‘overpotential’ – the energy wasted during each cycle. CPM flattens that hill, making the battery far more efficient.”
The team analysed used batteries to confirm reliable formation and removal of lithium carbonate, the compound produced when the battery captures CO₂.
Computer modelling revealed that CPM’s porous structure supports the necessary chemical reactions with stability.
With further research, lithium–CO₂ batteries could become a practical, dual-purpose solution: storing clean energy while actively reducing atmospheric carbon.
