Lithium-CO₂ Battery Breakthrough Captures Carbon While Powering Devices

University of Surrey engineers have introduced a Lithium-CO2 battery that removes carbon dioxide from the air as part of its normal operation. The upgraded battery design has the potential to outperform its predecessors while helping to combat pollution and climate change. Here’s what you need to know.

Why Lithium-Ion Batteries Fall Short in Green Energy

The future is wireless, and manufacturers understand that there is a demand for clean battery solutions. The most common batteries used today are lithium-ion options. These batteries can be found in everyday devices, such as your cell phone, electric vehicle, and smartwatch. Lithium-ion batteries offer decent density, charge cycles, and are affordable. However, they aren’t sustainable and remain a major pollutant in landfills globally.

Key Challenges of Lithium-Ion Batteries: Safety, Cost, and Waste

There are several problems with lithium-ion batteries that have limited their effectiveness and efficiency. For one, they require the use of expensive, rare-earth materials. Resources like platinum are hard to source and raise the cost of the manufacturing process considerably. Additionally, the demand for rare earth minerals has become a security concern for nations that now seek to ensure they have deep supplies of these essential items.

Lithium-ion batteries also suffer from poor cycle life. The design of this battery incurs some loss for every charge cycle. As such, lithium-ion batteries reduce performance with each cycle. Additionally, they are very expensive to dispose of and can become a safety hazard if improperly charged or if thermal runaway occurs.

Thermal runaway refers to lithium-ion battery cells overheating, causing surrounding cells to do the same. The result is a massive meltdown that can start fires or even explosions. The damage done during these events has been well documented. A simple search will highlight a long history of lithium-ion battery fires across the globe.

Over Potential

Another concern for lithium-ion battery users is overpotential. This term refers to the amount of energy used to start a chemical reaction and charge the battery. Lithium-ion systems suffer from high overpotential. However, all of that is about to change thanks to some ingenuitive scientists.

What Are Lithium-CO₂ Batteries and How Do They Work?

Lithium-CO2 batteries have emerged as an exciting alternative. These rechargeable batteries utilize CO2 gas as an energy carrier. This structure provides some major benefits like improved performance, higher capacity, and cleaner air quality. Consequently, many believe lithium-CO2 batteries are the best step to achieve net-zero carbon emissions in the future.

Drawbacks of Current Lithium-CO2 Batteries

One of the main drawbacks to using Li-CO2 batteries currently is the lack of reliable and low-cost catalysts. Recognizing this fact, engineers have created a new version that integrates recent advancements in material science and computer modeling. The new approach promises to tackle two issues at once, energy use and air quality.

University of Surrey’s Breakthrough Lithium-CO₂ Battery Study

The study¹,”Ultralow Overpotential in Rechargeable Li–CO2 Batteries Enabled by Caesium Phosphomolybdate as an Effective Redox Catalyst,” published in Advanced Science, delves into “breathing” batteries. These devices use CO2 to interact with a purpose-built catalyst, creating a clean energy loop.

Lithium-CO2 Batteries Dismantled

As part of their process, the engineers created several Li-CO2 batteries with different catalysts. They then put the batteries through thousands of charge cycles, representing years of daily use. They then dismantled the units after the cycle period to gain a deeper understanding of what occurred in terms of degradation, buildup, and other performance-limiting factors. Notably, the team noticed that lithium carbonate deposits would form and that they could be easily removed to enable the battery to improve its charge cycle.

Lithium-CO2 Batteries Computer Model

The researchers utilized the data they obtained from their experiments to create an accurate computer model. The model uses density functional theory (DFT) to predict critical details and changes. The model enhanced the team’s ability to conduct thought experiments and helped the team reduce total costs while expanding their testing. The goal was to utilize the model to find the best material to create a stable porous structure that could support the chemical reactions that make lithium batteries work.

Caesium Phosphomolybdate (CPM)

After some testing, the engineers determined that Caesium phosphomolybdate (Cs3PMo12O40, CPM) was a promising option. The engineers applied the CPM as a catalyst in Li‒CO2 batteries and then conducted several tests. To create the CPM, the engineers synthesized the catalysts and coated a cathode.

The material was found to be ideal because it had many electroactive sites and featured an oxygen-enriched surface. Also, the composite has a unique mesoporous morphology that adds to its durability and performance during charge cycles, meaning that these batteries use less energy to recharge versus their predecessors.

This CPM pore is ideal because it supports efficient diffusion of CO2 molecules and Li+ ions to the active sites. Additionally, the pores serve another role, accommodating discharge products. Notably, the crystalline structures measure only 140 nm in size.

Powder X-ray Diffraction (PXRD)

The engineers reviewed the crystal lattice structure and composition of the synthesized CPM catalyst using a powder X-ray diffraction method. This tool works by focusing X-rays on the structure and analysing its diffraction pattern.

Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR)

The next step was to determine what energy was absorbed or emitted due to the processes. The engineers used a Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy to accomplish this step. The team noted the presence of the keggin particles during the process, which was in line with their computational model predictions.

Keggin Units

The team spent a lot of effort to determine if their creation had keggin units integrated into its surface. Keggin units refer to a crystalline framework that is known for its ruggedness and structural stability. It’s the ideal setup for batteries because it retains its structure through the cycling process.

X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS)

The team used X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to gain a deeper understanding of the chemical state of the catalyst during the process and after. They accurately determined the surface’s elemental composition and adjusted it to optimize the battery’s performance and longevity.

Thermogravimetry (TG)

The next step was to determine if there was moisture entering the system or produced as a by-product. The researchers employed thermogravimetry to assess the water content of the CPM composite. The test revealed that the new design could support high-density battery developments.

Lithium-CO2 Batteries Test

A series of lab experiments helped the engineers to double-check their predictions. The team ran both physical and computer simulations to evaluate the electrocatalytic capability of the CPM catalyst in enhancing CRR/CER kinetics. They determined that their structure had some unique characteristics that make it ideal for use as a catalyst.

Lithium-CO2 Batteries Test Results

The test results were eye-opening. The new battery structure operated without failure. The team conducted 100 cycles at 50 mA g−1 with a capacity limitation of 500 mAh g−1.  They noted that the device could store more energy and was easier to charge than traditional Lithium-ion options. Impressively, the upgraded batteries demonstrated an excellent discharge capacity of 15440 mAh g−1 at 50 mA g−1 with 97.3% coulombic efficiency. Additionally, the catalyst delivered a low overpotential of 0.67 V.

This data demonstrated that the new design was far more effective than the traditional catalyst. Specifically, it offers a higher discharge-charge capacity and lower overpotential batteries. Also, the Li-CO2 battery design supports a long stability of 107 cycles at 50 mA g−1 with a limited capacity of 500 mAh g−1.

Top Benefits of Lithium-CO₂ Batteries for Clean Energy

There are a lot of benefits that lithium-CO2 batteries bring to the market. For one, they offer users a clean alternative to lithium-ion batteries, which continue to fill landfills. This new approach reduces waste and greenhouse gas emissions at the same time, opening the door for the battery industry to make serious upgrades while reducing pollution.

Higher Capacity

The report shows that Lithium-CO2 batteries can provide higher capacity than their predecessors. Additionally, they have a much lower overpotential, meaning that they use far less energy to charge. The less intense charging approach expands the battery’s life cycle without reducing its performance.

Lithium-CO2 Batteries are more Affordable.

Another reason why battery manufacturers and consumers could see a sudden influx of Lithium-CO2 options is that they provide a more affordable manufacturing process. When you combine the reduced costs of manufacturing with the lower emissions, the Lithium-CO2 alternative seems like a practical way to store clean energy.

Lithium-CO2 Batteries are more Scalable

The researchers ensured that their work could scale to meet the needs of the community. There is a massive demand for clean energy options to power portable devices. The engineers see this battery development as a cost-cutting upgrade that has the added benefit that it traps CO2, a harmful greenhouse gas.

Lithium-CO2 Batteries are more Efficient.

Efficiency is another benefit that lithium-CO2 batteries have when compared to other battery solutions. These next-gen power supplies will be able to operate efficiently across a massive array of use cases. The units offer more energy capacity and can be scaled up to ensure they are the right fit for the application.

No Rare Earth Metals

Rare earth metals are a limited resource that continues to see growing value. There are already major tariffs and other legislation in place to try and protect access to rare earth metals by the world’s superpowers. The engineer’s decision to eliminate the need for these minerals in their battery design could be one of the main reasons why this tech succeeds.

Real-World Applications of Lithium-CO₂ Batteries and When to Expect Them

There are many applications for greener batteries. The world needs clean alternatives that can power the growing number of wireless systems in use daily. Lithium-CO2 could one day power your home, car, and devices, while helping to reduce harmful greenhouse gases.

Space Travel

Space travel is another application for this technology. As scientists continue to think of ways to support exploration into deep space and other worlds, new power options must be researched. This latest development has some key advantages in that it could operate on faraway planets like Mars due to its atmosphere being made of 95% CO₂.

Lithium-CO2 Batteries Timeline

It could be around +5 years until CO2 batteries make their way to consumers. The technology is there, but the team must still figure out the best approach to bring their invention to the market. Notably, the growing demand to fulfill net-zero carbon obligations could boost this timeline and help make integrating lithium-CO2 options a priority.

Lithium-CO2 Batteries Researchers

The lithium-CO2 Batteries study was hosted by Surrey’s School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and the Advanced Technology Institute. The breakthrough paper lists Siddharth Gadkari and Daniel Commandeur as the co-authors of the study. They received support from Mahsa Masoudi, Neubi F. Xavier Jr, James Wright, Thomas M Roseveare, Steven Hinder, Vlad Stolojan, Qiong Cai, and Robert C. T. Slade.

Lithium-CO2 Batteries Future

The team seeks to delve deeper into other materials and how these catalysts interact with electrodes and electrolytes. They also want to further explore Keggin-type polyoxometalate as a bifunctional redox catalyst. These steps could help improve major aspects of their design, including the reversible cycling of rechargeable Li–CO2 batteries.

Investing in the Battery Sector

There are several companies involved in the battery market. These firms span the gamut from tier 1 well-known manufacturers to low-cost alternatives and even knockoffs. Demand for quality batteries remains high. Here’s one battery manufacturer that remains positioned for success and could integrate lithium-CO2 batteries into its products in the future.

Solid Power (SLDP +12.69%) entered the market in 2011 and is headquartered in Colorado. The company’s goal is to create high-performance solid-state battery alternatives. Since its launch, Solid Power has seen considerable support and growth in the market. This growth is mainly due to its innovative spirit and its unique products that swap out liquid electrolytes with sulfide solid options. This approach reduced the risk of fire or thermal runaway.

Solid Power has several strategic partnerships with EV manufacturers. These partnerships are designed to drive innovation and help the market find a safer and more efficient alternative. Today, the company has deals with a variety of manufacturers from across industries, including the medical and manufacturing sectors.

Those seeking to get a solid battery stock that has growth potential should consider doing more research on SLDP. The company’s partnerships and its products have many analysts excited. Additionally, there’s growing demand for its services, which could correlate to added stock value in the coming weeks.

Latest Solid Power (SLDP) Stock News and Developments

Lithium-CO2 Batteries – Clean Energy to Go

Lithium-CO2 batteries could help engineers put a stop to the fire hazards and damage done by the thermal runaway of lithium-ion batteries. These units are everywhere, and replacing them with a safer and more efficient alternative could help a large portion of the population. Consequently, manufacturers and engineers continue to pour time, money, and effort into improving today’s batteries. Thankfully, this latest product maximizes their efforts alongside clean energy production.

Learn about other cool energy developments now.

Studies Referenced:

^{1. Masoudi, M., Xavier Jr, N. F., Wright, J., Roseveare, T. M., Hinder, S., Stolojan, V., Cai, Q., Slade, R. C. T., Commandeur, D., & Gadkari, S. (2025). Ultralow overpotential in rechargeable Li–CO₂ batteries enabled by caesium phosphomolybdate as an effective redox catalyst. Advanced Science, 12(17), 2502553. https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.202502553}