Expert Q&A: Beyond lithium-ion

As the electrification of global economies gathers pace, manufacturers around the world are rapidly scaling up the production of lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. Indeed, according to energy consultancy Wood Mackenzie, global production of lithium-ion batteries is expected to rise five-fold by the end of this decade.

But whilst Li-Ion will remain the dominant battery technology for some time to come, there is also a growing push to develop and commercialise a new generation of alternative battery technologies that could overcome some of the limitations of the incumbent technology. 

We asked the leaders of three different UK research groups, all funded by the UK’s flagship battery research programme The Faraday Institution, to tell us about the status of their research and comment on its long-term potential.

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Prof Mauro Pasta (MP): My research group is working on a variety of battery chemistries “beyond” the current, commercial Li-ion batteries. The aim is to decrease cost, increase energy density and improve charging rate. Solid-state batteries are arguably the most promising beyond Li-ion chemistry as they hold the potential to address all these needs with the further benefit of improved safety. Unfortunately there are still some challenges that are hindering the path towards their commercialisation.