Back

AI-Designed Molecule Developed to Extend Lithium-Ion Battery Lifespan

lite News Desk 2 min read

At a glance

  • Fudan University researchers created a lithium-ion carrier molecule
  • The molecule can be injected into aging batteries to restore lithium ions
  • Research findings were published in the journal Nature

Researchers have reported a new approach to extending the operational life of lithium-ion batteries by introducing a specially designed molecule that can be injected into older battery cells. This development was documented by a team at Fudan University in Shanghai and published in Nature.

The molecule, identified as CF3SO2Li, was developed using artificial intelligence and chemical informatics. The design process used unsupervised machine learning to suggest effective molecular structures for the carrier.

According to the research team, the molecule works by transporting lithium electrons into batteries that have lost capacity over time. After delivering the lithium ions, the carrier’s vehicle component is released as gas and exits the battery system.

Testing of the technology was conducted in partnership with a major domestic battery manufacturer, where the molecule was applied to real lithium-ion battery devices. The researchers stated that this method offers a low-cost solution for battery maintenance.

What the numbers show

  • The new technique could increase battery cycles from 500–2,000 to 12,000–60,000
  • The molecule was designed using AI and machine learning methods
  • Research was published in Nature in February 2025

Media coverage described the technology as an eco-friendly “injection” that could extend the lifespan of smartphone and electric vehicle batteries by more than six times. The South China Morning Post reported this characterization based on the research findings.

The molecule’s function involves replenishing lithium ions that are depleted during regular battery use, which is a key factor in battery aging. The process aims to restore capacity without the need for replacing the entire battery unit.

The research team at Fudan University indicated that the molecule can be produced at low cost, which could support broader adoption in consumer electronics and electric vehicles. Collaboration with industry partners was part of the testing phase to evaluate the molecule’s effectiveness in practical applications.

The findings suggest a potential method for extending the useful life of lithium-ion batteries, which are widely used in portable electronics and electric vehicles. The publication in Nature marks the formal disclosure of the research to the scientific community.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.

Related Articles

  1. Researchers developed a quantum-optimal coronagraph, achieving a 1000:1 contrast ratio and enhancing exoplanet detection speed by up to 100 times.

  2. Thousands of Monzo users faced app access issues on Tuesday, but the bank restored service the same day using its backup system, according to reports.

  3. CES 2026 showcases innovations in AI, robotics, and smart devices, promising to transform industries and enhance...

  4. Fugaku simulated the mouse cortex, modeling nearly 10 million neurons and 26 billion synapses across 86 regions, according to the study.

  5. Injecting randomness into quantum neural networks enhances their measurement capabilities, according to recent studies on quantum properties.

More on Technology

  1. New fines for inaccurate entries in the Robocall Mitigation Database were finalized, according to the regulator. Annual recertification starts in 2026.

  2. SpaceX waived Starlink fees in Iran on January 13, 2026, allowing users to access the internet during a nationwide blackout, according to reports.

  3. SwitchBot unveiled the Onero H1 humanoid robot at CES 2026, capable of household tasks like cooking and cleaning, according to reports.

  4. AI infrastructure is shifting as smaller, distributed data centres support model training, reducing latency and costs, according to industry experts.

  5. Bruno Fernandes's X account was hacked, according to reports. Fans are advised not to engage with any suspicious activity on the platform.