World’s first fully dual-cation battery runs 1,000 stable cycles

Researchers at the University of Limerick have developed the world’s first full-cell dual-cation battery that combines lithium and sodium ions, resulting in significantly enhanced capacity and stability. This innovative battery design leverages a sodium-dominant electrolyte boosted by lithium ions, effectively “supercharging” the sodium-ion system. The hybrid approach doubles the battery’s capacity compared to typical sodium-ion batteries, while maintaining long-term stability and enabling up to 1,000 charge-discharge cycles. This advancement addresses the traditional energy density limitations of sodium-ion batteries, making the technology a greener, safer, and more cost-effective alternative to conventional lithium-ion batteries. Led by Associate Professor Hugh Geaney and Dr. Syed Abdul Ahad, the research highlights the potential for sustainable, high-performance battery chemistries that reduce reliance on expensive and environmentally problematic materials like cobalt. The team’s work, supported by Irish government fellowships and published in Nano Energy, opens new avenues for exploring other ion pairings and materials, such as