20 Sep 2024
In a recent publication in Advanced Materials WISE researcher, Prof. Leif Asp and his team explored structural batteries that store energy while also supporting mechanical loads, promoting sustainability by reducing weight in products like cars. This breakthrough could significantly enhance the efficiency of electric vehicles, drones, and electronics.
[Picture: Richa Chaudhary, Zhenyuan Xia, and Leif Asp from Chalmers. Credit: Chalmers | Henrik Sandsjö]
Recent breakthroughs in the field have been published in the article “Unveiling the Multifunctional Carbon Fibre Structural Battery” in the journal Advanced Materials (https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202409725) by Richa Chaudhary, Johanna Xu, Zhenyuan Xia, and Leif Asp from Chalmers University of Technology.
– I am excited to see our work to realize the all-carbon fibre structural battery composite published in Advanced Materials. The developed technique will allow us to boost the materials multifunctional performance further. I think an elastic modulus of 100 GPa and an energy density of at least 50 Wh/kg is now within reach, says Leif Asp, Professor at the Department of Industrial and Materials Science at Chalmers and WISE researcher.
Research on structural batteries has been ongoing for many years at Chalmers, with collaboration at various stages involving researchers from KTH Royal Institute of Technology. Since Professor Leif Asp and his colleagues published their seminal scientific article in 2018 on stiff, high-strength carbon fibers capable of storing electrical energy chemically, the concept has continued to evolve increasing both stiffness and energy density.
The developed battery concept is based on a composite material that uses carbon fibre as both the positive and negative electrodes, with the positive electrode coated in lithium iron phosphate. The carbon fibre serves a dual function: storing energy while providing stiffness and strength. One significant advantage of this design is that it avoids the use of critical raw materials such as cobalt or manganese.
In this battery, lithium ions move between the terminals through a semi-solid electrolyte instead of a liquid one, a challenge for achieving high power that will require further research. However, this design also enhances the safety of the battery cell, reducing the risk of fire.
More information about these exciting advances can be found at: https://news.cision.com/chalmers/r/world-s-strongest-battery-paves-way-for-light–energy-efficient-vehicles,c4036183
This research is funded by WISE. To learn more about Prof. Asp’s WISE project please visit:
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Photo taken by Retain.
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2 Sep 2025
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25 Aug 2025
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25 Aug 2025
Welcome Meeting 2025 is now wrapped up – and what an event it was!
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19 Aug 2025
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16 Aug 2025
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The call for KAW Proof of Concept Grants in Materials Science for Sustainability will open soon.
11 Aug 2025
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Picture by Luleå University of Technology.
7 Aug 2025
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MAX IV is awarded 200 million SEK from Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation and WISE to construct and establish a 3D imaging X-ray technology aimed at studying and developing advanced materials for the transition to a sustainable society.
16 Jun 2025
The Wallenberg Initiative Material Science for Sustainability (WISE) is excited to announce the launch of its second major faculty recruitment call.
Picture by Luleå University of technology.
9 Jun 2025
Do not miss out as the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation soon is set to open applications for its 2025 Proof of Concept Grants in Materials Science for Sustainability. The call opens on September 1 and closes on October 15, 2025, at 13:00.
26 May 2025
The Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, in partnership with the WISE research program, has selected nine promising innovation projects to receive Proof-of-Concept (PoC) grants. ,
22 May 2025
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Picture taken by Smoltek Hydrogen.
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16 May 2025
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13 May 2025
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Picture taken by Mycronic.
