A new £3 million project looking to develop better performing batteries will be led by the University of Oxford.
The three-year scheme aims to create cathode materials for future lithium-ion batteries that could deliver higher energy density, lower costs, and improved sustainability.
It could help to boost the range and power of electric vehicles while supporting UK progress towards net zero.
The 3D-CAT project is funded by the Faraday Institution - the UK's independent institute for electrochemical energy storage research - and brings together researchers from Oxford, University College London, and industry collaborators.
Professor Robert House, principal investigator for 3D-CAT, said: "3D-CAT is an exciting opportunity to develop innovative new lithium-ion cathode materials to support the British battery industry.
Professor Robert House(Image: Robert Spanring)
"I am delighted to have the support of the Faraday Institution and our expert industry partners to deliver our vision."
The project's focus is on developing lithium-ion battery cathode materials that do not require cobalt or nickel, both of which are costly and present environmental and supply chain challenges.
While lithium iron phosphate cathodes are an existing alternative, they currently offer lower energy density than cobalt or nickel-based materials.
The research team aims to develop new cathodes that can match the performance of cobalt and nickel-based cathodes without requiring costly, geographically-concentrated precursors or impractical production processes.
One promising approach involves lithium-rich disordered rock salts, a type of material that could deliver high energy density but currently suffers from slow charging and discharging rates.
It is also usually produced by ball-milling, a method that uses a lot of energy and cannot be scaled easily.
Recent research has shown partly ordering lithium and transition metal atoms within these materials can significantly improve lithium-ion movement, paving the way for a new generation of high-performing, scalable cathodes.
Over the course of the project, the team will use Oxford's Centre for Energy Materials Research and Materials Modelling Laboratory to design, synthesise, and test new cathode prototypes.
Professor Jim Naismith, head of the mathematical, physical, and life sciences division at Oxford, said: "Oxford is proud to be leading the way in developing the next generation of battery materials.
"This project brings together brilliant minds, cutting-edge science, and strong partnerships with industry to tackle one of today's most pressing challenges - how to store energy cheaply and efficiently.
"It's a great example of how world-class research in our division is delivering real benefits for everyone and the UK economy."
Industry partners involved in 3D-CAT will help to translate laboratory breakthroughs into commercially viable products.
The project is one of several battery research programmes led by Oxford as part of the Faraday Institution's national portfolio.