Reviewed by Lexie CornerMay 21 2025
Researchers at the University of Surrey have developed environmentally friendly batteries that could help reduce greenhouse gas emissions while offering higher energy storage capacity. These lithium-CO₂ “breathing” batteries present a more sustainable alternative to conventional lithium-ion batteries, generating electricity while actively absorbing carbon dioxide.
Image Credit: University of Surrey
The performance of lithium–CO₂ batteries has historically been limited by rapid degradation, poor rechargeability, and dependence on expensive rare materials such as platinum. However, researchers at the University of Surrey have addressed these issues by introducing a low-cost catalyst: caesium phosphomolybdate (CPM).
Lab experiments and computational modeling showed that this catalyst significantly enhanced battery performance, enabling over 100 charge-discharge cycles, increased energy storage capacity, and more efficient charging with lower power requirements.
If commercialized, these batteries could help reduce emissions from vehicles and industrial processes. Researchers also suggest they could operate on Mars, where the atmosphere consists of 95 % carbon dioxide.
There is a growing need for energy storage solutions that support our push toward renewable power while also tackling the growing threat of climate change. The work on lithium–CO₂ batteries is a potential game-changer in making that vision a reality.
Dr. Siddharth Gadkari, Lecturer, Chemical Process Engineering, University of Surrey
Gadkar added, “One of the biggest challenges with these batteries is something called ‘overpotential’ – the extra energy needed to get the reaction going. You can think of it like cycling uphill before you can coast. What we have shown is that CPM flattens that hill, meaning the battery loses far less energy during each charge and discharge.”
Teams from the Advanced Technology Institute and Surrey’s School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering used two approaches to investigate why CPM was so effective. First, they performed post-mortem analysis by disassembling the battery after charge and discharge cycles to observe internal chemical changes.
These tests revealed that lithium carbonate, the compound formed when the battery absorbs CO₂, could be reliably formed and removed, a critical factor for long-term battery operation.
Next, they used density functional theory (DFT) to model the reactions at the material’s surface. The simulations showed that CPM’s stable, porous structure offered an ideal environment for the key chemical reactions involved in battery performance.
What is exciting about this discovery is that it combines strong performance with simplicity. We have shown that it is possible to build efficient lithium–CO₂ batteries using affordable, scalable materials no rare metals required. Our findings also open the door to designing even better catalysts in the future.
Dr Daniel Commandeur, Surrey Future Fellow, University of Surrey
The findings support the development of more efficient, affordable, and practical battery materials. With further research into the interactions between catalysts, electrodes, and electrolytes, lithium–CO₂ batteries could become a viable and scalable option for clean energy storage, while also contributing to carbon dioxide reduction.
Journal Reference:
Masoudi, M., et al. (2025) Ultralow Overpotential in Rechargeable Li–CO2 Batteries Enabled by Caesium Phosphomolybdate as an Effective Redox Catalyst. Advanced Science. doi.org/10.1002/advs.202502553.