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Self-assembling solid Sb electrode enables high-capacity, low-cost Ca-Sb battery

Author

Listed:
  • Sanghyeok Im

    (The Pennsylvania State University)

  • Peyman Asghari-Rad

    (The Pennsylvania State University)

  • Kelly Elizabeth Varnell

    (The Pennsylvania State University)

  • Alex T. Vai

    (Ambri Incorporated)

  • Jianyi Cui

    (Ambri Incorporated)

  • Rachael Howland

    (Ambri Incorporated)

  • David Bradwell

    (Ambri Incorporated)

  • Hojong Kim

    (The Pennsylvania State University)

Abstract

To decarbonize the power grid using renewable technologies without compromising its reliability, low-cost grid-scale energy storage with resilient long-term performance is required. We report a liquid metal battery that achieves high capacity, low electrode costs, and strong cycling performance by replacing the traditional liquid positive electrode with solid particles. The Ca||Sb(s) system described herein achieved 318% higher discharge capacity (715 mAh g−1 Sb) and 71% lower electrode cost (19.1 $ kWh−1) than the most competitive liquid metal battery chemistries yet published. The remarkable increase in specific capacity results from the self-assembly of a micro-structured electronically connected Sb network at the positive electrode during cycling while the formation of a liquid Ca-Li alloy at the negative electrode mitigates the growth of solid Ca dendrites. We demonstrate minimal capacity fade of the Ca||Sb(s) battery over ~4000 full depth-of-discharge cycles and high coulombic (>98.4%) and energy efficiencies (79–84%) at C-rates (C/8–C/10) relevant for daily storage applications coupled with intermittent renewable energy technologies.

Suggested Citation

  • Sanghyeok Im & Peyman Asghari-Rad & Kelly Elizabeth Varnell & Alex T. Vai & Jianyi Cui & Rachael Howland & David Bradwell & Hojong Kim, 2025. "Self-assembling solid Sb electrode enables high-capacity, low-cost Ca-Sb battery," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-8, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-62080-7
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-62080-7
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