New research led by Queen Mary University of London has demonstrated a breakthrough in silicon-based battery design, offering faster charging, longer cycle life, and potential cost reductions of 20–30%.
Published in Nature Nanotechnology, the study introduces a double-layer electrode architecture guided by operando imaging and fundamental science.
Dr Xuekun Lu, senior lecturer in green energy at Queen Mary, led the research, which tackles the challenge of silicon electrode degradation. While silicon offers up to 10 times higher theoretical capacity than conventional materials, its volume can expand by 300% during charge/discharge cycles, leading to rapid deterioration.
“In this study, for the first time, we visualise the interplay between microstructural design and electro-chemo-mechanical performance across length scales – from single particle to full electrode – by integrating multimodal operando imaging techniques,” said Dr Lu.
The team’s evidence-guided double-layer design significantly improves capacity retention and reduces degradation. Using multiscale multimodal imaging, the researchers gained new insights into the graphite/silicon composite’s internal processes, enabling smarter material design.
“This study opens new avenues for innovating 3D composite electrode architectures, pushing the boundaries of energy density, cycle life, and charging speed in automotive batteries, and thereby accelerating large-scale EV adoption,” added Dr Lu.
