Niobium-graphene batteries offer challenge to lithium-ion

The batteries are being developed by the Centre for Advanced 2D Materials (CA2DM) at the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Brazilian niobium specialists CBMM.

According to NUS, niobium (a relatively abundant and environmentally friendly material) serves as the primary active material in the negative electrode of the batteries while also being used as an additive in the positive electrode.

Graphene is utilised in both negative and positive electrodes to boost electronic conductivity and structural stability. In the negative electrode, the unique crystal structure of niobium materials facilitates rapid charging without damaging the structure. In the positive electrode, niobium materials can increase ionic conductivity and safeguard the active material from degradation.

Additionally, the low-density nature of graphene significantly improves the electronic conductivity of both electrodes without compromising the overall energy density of the battery.

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The batteries are being tested at the new CBMM-CA2DM Advanced Battery Laboratory which was launched yesterday (May 22, 2023) by NUS and CBMM and established with a joint investment of $3.8m over three years, supported by Singapore’s National Research Foundation.