A collaboration between the University of Surrey, Imperial College London and Peking University has accelerated the development of catalysts for lithium-CO2 (Li-CO2) batteries – providing a platform for carbon capture batteries.

The joint project aims to overcome ineffective methods used to produce catalysts for Li-CO2 batteries by establishing battery manufacturing methods that are faster and cost less. The batteries produced will be capable of storing energy and also capturing CO2 emissions.

Lecturer at the Advanced Technology Institute of the University of Surrey, Dr. Kai Yang – who also led the project – states that the research team has created an advanced electrochemical testing platform in the form of a lab-on-a-chip.

The platform can perform multiple tasks and is used for the evaluation of electrocatalysts, to optimize operational conditions, and to examine CO2 conversion in lithium-CO2 batteries. The group’s new approach is more economical and efficient compared to previously developed methods for producing the same materials.

The team used a newly developed tool during the study to assess the suitability of various substances – including platinum, gold, silver, copper, iron and nickel – for the development of high-performance Li-CO2 batteries.

Dr. Yunlong Zhao – the primary author of the research – states that the new instrument will enable the rapid evaluation of catalysts, analysis of reaction mechanisms, in addition to implementation in various sectors, ranging from nanoscience to advanced carbon removal technologies.