Lincoln Scientists Developing New Environmentally Friendly Battery to Address Global Energy Demands
8 May 2025
Written by: Hannah McGowan
A team of scientists at the University of Lincoln, UK, are developing an environmentally friendly battery as a promising alternative to lithium-ion options.
The new type of battery is being developed as part of a project, funded by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), to address the urgent need for safe and highly efficient electrochemical energy storage solutions, amid escalating global energy demands.
Traditional lithium-ion batteries degrade rapidly over time and are prone to overheating and subsequent explosions or fires, especially when damaged or mishandled. The improper disposal of spent batteries also poses environmental risks, as the hazardous materials contained within can contaminate landfills and soil.
The technology is being created by the University’s Energy Transition and Nanomaterials (ETN) research group, led by Dr Filipe Marques Mota. The team have so far developed rechargeable multivalent calcium/magnesium-oxygen batteries using “Generation After Next” (GAN) technology. During the project, chemistry students at the University had the unique opportunity to work alongside the research group to gain crucial technical skills, as part of their studies.
GAN technologies offer alternatives to commercial lithium-ion batteries, including environmentally friendly lithium-oxygen batteries, utilising oxygen from the ambient air as a “free” energy source. This type of battery boasts the highest theoretical energy density reported to date, providing multiple real-world applications for a range of worldwide industries including large-scale energy storage, aviation, long-haul trucking, and defence applications – paving the way for zero-emission goals.
In contrast, calcium and magnesium are abundant and cost-effective alternatives that offer high-powered capacities for commercial use. The ETN group is pioneering research in this largely overlooked area, aiming to unlock the commercial viability of multivalent calcium/magnesium–oxygen batteries.
Dr Filipe Marques Mota, Senior Lecturer in Chemistry at the University of Lincoln, explained: “Metal-oxygen batteries have long been identified as the most promising and cost-effective solution for the grid and to decarbonise aviation. With Dstl’s support, our findings are shedding light on the promise of exploiting solution-based redox-mediating species, in what can be considered one of the most critical steps in bridging the gap towards the practical use of metal–oxygen technologies.”
“In 2022, the UK’s domestic and international flights produced 29.6 Mt CO2 equivalent emissions, accounting for ~7% of our total greenhouse gas emissions. Our outcomes have important ramifications, providing options for electric aviation (e.g., domestic airplanes, uncrewed systems) as promising zero-emission flight technologies.”
William Lorenz, a fourth year MChem student at the University of Lincoln who worked on the project, added: “I have thoroughly appreciated all aspects of this project. Not only has it strengthened my career prospects, improved my professional and research conduct but it has also been an opportunity to meaningfully contribute to a greener future.”
This initiative marks the first collaboration between the University of Lincoln’s Department of Chemistry and Dstl, showcasing the organisation’s commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions.