Researchers are reconsidering how to power the future as space organizations attempt to send humans to Mars and Earth and look for carbon-neutral energy alternatives. A recent scientific breakthrough may address both these challenges. Better and longer-lasting lithium–carbon dioxide (Li–CO₂) batteries are being developed that turn CO₂ into power. A novel catalyst produced by a team at the University of Surrey greatly improves battery performance, increasing the viability of lithium-carbon dioxide batteries for Mars and Earth-based applications.

Why Lithium-Carbon Dioxide Batteries Matter

Lithium and carbon dioxide undergo a reversible electrochemical process to power Li–CO₂ batteries. Electric power is produced during discharge when lithium from the anode travels through the electrolyte and combines with CO₂ at the cathode to generate carbon and lithium carbonate, releasing electrons. This process is reversed when the battery is recharged, regenerating CO₂ and lithium.

This system transforms carbon dioxide, a harmful greenhouse gas, into a usable energy source, enabling Li–CO₂ batteries to store energy and remove carbon. On Earth, that means cleaner energy production. On Mars, where carbon dioxide comprises about 95.32% of the atmosphere, lithium-carbon dioxide batteries for Mars present an opportunity to use the planet’s air as a fuel supply to run essential systems and devices.

Challenges of Lithium-Carbon Dioxide Batteries for Mars

Although using CO₂ as a battery reactant is promising, early Li–CO₂ batteries were limited by poor stability and low energy efficiency. One major problem was the formation of lithium carbonate on the cathode, which created insulating layers that hindered rechargeability. These reactions gradually degraded the battery, reducing its lifespan and storage capacity.

The batteries also required high overpotentials to recharge, meaning more energy was needed to reverse the reaction than was ideal. This inefficiency made them unsuitable for sustained use, especially in extreme Martian conditions where radiation is constant and temperatures fluctuate up to 60°C between day and night.

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Breakthrough Innovations from the New Study

The University of Surrey team introduced a cesium phosphomolybdate (CPM) catalyst, a Keggin-type polyoxometalate, to overcome these challenges. This catalyst addresses two critical battery limitations: overpotential and cycling stability.

CPM reduced the charging overpotential from approximately 1.4 volts to just 0.67 volts, significantly improving energy efficiency. Its porous structure provided a stable platform for the formation and breakdown of lithium carbonate, allowing the battery to maintain consistent operation for over 100 cycles.

At a current density of 50 mA g⁻¹, lab tests showed a 97.3% coulombic efficiency, indicating minimal energy loss during function. The battery also achieved a 2.5-fold increase in energy density compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries. Since CPM can be produced at room temperature using inexpensive materials, it offers a viable alternative to expensive noble metals like platinum and ruthenium, making it more suitable for commercial and space-related use.

Dual Benefits: Earth and Mars

Lithium-carbon dioxide batteries on Mars provide a sustainable energy solution by using the atmosphere itself as a power source. This could eliminate the need to carry heavy fuels from Earth, which is a major benefit for long-term space missions and colonization efforts.

These batteries offer a dual function on Earth: power generation and CO₂ capture. The study team reported that one kilogram of CPM could absorb approximately 18.5 kilograms of carbon dioxide. This capability makes them well-suited for mobile or stationary applications to reduce emissions, offering clean power and air purification in a single system.

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The Road Ahead

Despite the success of the CPM-enhanced design, further work is needed before lithium-carbon dioxide batteries for Mars and Earth reach widespread use. While commercial lithium-ion batteries often last over 1,000 cycles, current prototypes of this new design manage just over 100.

Ongoing efforts include improving the catalyst further, testing under different CO₂ conditions, and exploring non-cesium-based alternatives. Researchers aim to simplify the battery’s chemistry and rely more on abundant, sustainable materials, making the technology even more scalable and eco-friendly.

Conclusion

This advancement in battery technology could transform how we store and produce energy, not just on Earth, but also on other planets. By enhancing energy density, lowering overpotential, and extending battery lifespan, the University of Surrey team has laid the groundwork for scalable innovations that help fight climate change. Lithium-carbon dioxide batteries for Mars offer more than just functionality; they represent a vision for a cleaner, more efficient energy future on two worlds.

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