3D-printed battery could speed up energy storage research

Researchers at Queen's University Belfast have developed a 3D-printed battery that could accelerate progress in renewable energy storage. The new battery design, which uses a solid-state electrolyte, is intended to overcome limitations of conventional lithium-ion batteries, such as safety risks and slow charging. This breakthrough affects the renewable energy sector, electric vehicle manufacturers, and consumers who rely on portable electronics. It matters because efficient energy storage is a critical barrier to widespread adoption of renewables like solar and wind power. The team, led by Dr. Yan Zhang, printed a prototype using a custom 3D printer that deposits layers of electrode and electrolyte materials. The battery achieved a high energy density of 200 watt-hours per kilogram and retained 90% capacity after 1,000 charge-discharge cycles, according to the study published in the journal Small. This work builds on earlier efforts at Queen's to develop solid-state batteries, which are safer and more stable than liquid-electrolyte batteries. The next steps involve scaling up the manufacturing process and testing the battery in real-world applications, such as powering electric vehicles or grid storage. The researchers aim to commercialize the technology within five years, pending further development and industry partnerships.