Scientists at City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) just cleared a major roadblock for the electric vehicle (EV) industry.
A research team led by Professor Liu Qi recently secured funding under the “RAISe+ Scheme” to commercialize a new battery material.
This technology promises to boost energy density while slashing costs for global manufacturers.
The project targets lithium-rich layered oxides (LLOs). Engineers often call LLOs the “ultimate cathode material” due to their high capacity and low cost.
However, these materials typically suffer from voltage decay, which shortens battery life. Professor Liu’s team found a way to fix it.
Solving voltage decay
The team focused on the atomic level to stabilize the battery’s internal “honeycomb” structure.
They added specific transition metal ions into the cathode material. This modification stops oxygen release and prevents structural degradation during use.
By fixing these microscopic shifts, the team effectively eliminated the core issue of voltage decay.
Secondary engineering techniques also shield the battery from surface wear. The researchers applied carbon coating layers during the production process. This protective barrier defends the cathode against electrolyte corrosion and metal dissolution.
These dual innovations ensure long-term stability for high-performance energy storage.
“Our research team has enabled LLOs, a cathode material, to realise their true commercial potential,” said Professor Liu.
He noted that the technology allows batteries to deliver higher energy density at a lower cost.
According to Liu, the breakthrough is “opening new possibilities for EVs and energy-storage applications.”
Scaling global battery production
The research carries massive weight for the US and global markets. Experts project the battery sector will hit $150 billion by 2030.
Cathode materials represent the single largest cost in battery manufacturing.
CityUHK’s new product line aims to increase energy density in traditional batteries by over 30%.
To meet this demand, the team founded SuFang New Energy Technology Co., Ltd. They already operate a 100-ton-per-year production line.
With new government backing, they plan to build a massive 1,000-ton facility in Southeast Asia or Korea.
This expansion aims to create approximately 100 new jobs in engineering and manufacturing.
Professor Liu believes this move reinforces Hong Kong’s leading position in the competitive high-tech ecosystem.
“This project also demonstrates Hong Kong’s strengths in next-generation energy technologies,” Liu stated.
The project does not stop at current liquid-electrolyte batteries. The team is developing a second product line specifically for solid-state batteries.
These “next-gen” power cells offer even higher safety standards and power output.
By shifting from laboratory breakthroughs to industrial-scale applications, the team expects full optimization within three years.
This timeline aligns with the global push for faster EV adoption and renewable energy storage.
The research originally appeared in the journal Nature Energy in 2023. Now, it is moving from the academic page to the assembly line.
