Breakthrough double-layer design enhances silicon battery efficiency in electrical automobiles
by Sophie Jenkins
London, UK (SPX) Oct 25, 2025
Researchers at Queen Mary College of London have demonstrated {that a} novel double-layer electrode design, guided by operando imaging, considerably improves the cyclic stability and speedy charging efficiency of automotive batteries. Their findings point out the brand new silicon-based composite electrodes may scale back battery prices by as much as 30 p.c whereas boosting capability and lifespan.
The analysis workforce, led by Dr Xuekun Lu, launched an evidence-based double-layer structure to handle longstanding hurdles with silicon electrode degradation. Silicon’s excessive theoretical capability is offset by growth of as much as 300 p.c throughout operation, inflicting speedy put on in commonplace designs. The proposed double-layer construction mitigates these quantity adjustments, leading to far larger sturdiness and efficiency in comparison with conventional electrodes.
Superior multimodal operando imaging, deployed in the course of the research, gave the workforce new insights into the electro-chemo-mechanical processes at work inside graphite and silicon composite electrodes. This method enabled them to refine microstructural design on a elementary stage.
“This research opens new avenues for innovating 3D composite electrode architectures, pushing the boundaries of vitality density, cycle life, and charging pace in automotive batteries, and thereby accelerating large-scale EV adoption.” stated Dr Xuekun Lu, research lead.
Professor David Greenwood, CEO of the WMG Excessive Worth Manufacturing Catapult Centre, commented: “Excessive silicon anodes are an vital know-how pathway for top vitality density batteries in purposes like Automotive. This research provides a a lot deeper understanding of the way in which wherein their microstructure impacts their efficiency and degradation, and can present a foundation for higher battery design sooner or later”
The analysis is printed in Nature Nanotechnology.
Analysis Report:Unravelling Electro-Chemo-Mechanical Processes in Graphite/ Silicon Composites for Designing Nanoporous and Microstructured Battery Electrodes
Associated Hyperlinks
Queen Mary University of London
Powering The World in the 21st Century at Energy-Daily.com