China studies microgravity effect on battery behavior in space

China is conducting advanced experiments aboard its Tiangong space station to study the effects of microgravity on lithium-ion battery behavior, aiming to develop safer and more powerful batteries for space applications. Zhang Hongzhang, a professor specializing in advanced battery technologies from the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics and China’s second civilian astronaut, is leading these tests during the Shenzhou-21 mission launched in October 2025. His research focuses on how microgravity influences key battery processes such as ion movement between electrodes, electrolyte chemical distribution, and the formation of lithium dendrites—needle-like structures that can reduce battery lifespan and pose safety risks. By leveraging the unique microgravity environment aboard Tiangong, Zhang’s experiments seek to isolate the impact of gravity on battery performance, which is difficult to study on Earth due to the interplay of gravitational and electric fields. The findings are expected to enhance the safety and efficiency of current lithium-ion batteries used in orbit and contribute to the development of next-generation batteries with higher energy density