Researchers at University of Limerick Unveil Revolutionary Dual-Cation Battery

Researchers at the University of Limerick have made a groundbreaking advancement in energy storage technology with the development of the world’s first full-cell dual-cation battery. This innovative battery combines lithium and sodium ions, promising significant improvements in both capacity and stability, which could transform the landscape for electric vehicles and portable electronics.

The research, published in the journal Nano Energy, was led by Hugh Geaney, Associate Professor in Chemistry at UL’s Department of Chemical Sciences, alongside Dr. Syed Abdul Ahad, a postdoctoral fellow. Their work was supported by researchers from the University of Birmingham and was backed by the Government of Ireland.

This dual-cation system represents a departure from traditional sodium-only batteries. By leveraging the strengths of both lithium and sodium, the new technology offers enhanced performance while primarily utilizing sodium, making it a more efficient and sustainable solution.

“For the first time, we’ve shown that sodium-ion batteries can be ‘supercharged’ by pairing sodium and lithium in a sodium-dominant dual-cation electrolyte,”

“This breakthrough opens the door to more sustainable, high-performance battery chemistries,”

said Geaney.

The innovation allows lithium ions to serve as a “capacity booster” within the electrolyte, supercharging the sodium-ion system while ensuring long-term stability. This advancement not only improves energy density, crucial for extending the range of electric vehicles, but also enhances safety and sustainability by reducing dependence on costly and environmentally harmful materials like cobalt.

Although sodium-ion batteries have long been viewed as a more sustainable alternative to lithium-ion batteries, they previously lagged in terms of energy density, leading to poorer performance. The new dual-cation battery addresses this issue, effectively doubling the capacity compared to typical sodium-ion batteries.

Dr. Abdul Ahad, who conceptualized the study and conducted the experimental work under Geaney’s guidance, explained, “By introducing both lithium and sodium cations, we actually double the battery’s capacity that would otherwise be lower in a typical sodium-ion battery. This has never been done before on the anode materials we used, which are projected to have high capacity for sodium-ion batteries.”

The design of this battery allows for cycling up to 1,000 cycles, making it a greener and more cost-effective option. The research team plans to expand their study to explore new material combinations and ion systems, including silicon-based anodes and alternative ion pairings like lithium-magnesium and potassium-lithium.

This achievement is part of the ongoing efforts of the Geaney Research Group, which focuses on developing new materials for energy storage applications. Their work emphasizes characterizing and designing materials, positioning them at the forefront of battery innovation.

With over 30 active researchers in UL’s battery cluster and the multidisciplinary AMPEiRE centre for battery and energy materials research, the University of Limerick is solidifying its role as a leader in the development of next-generation energy solutions.