Towards faster-charging, higher-performance lithium-ion batteries

A new study by researchers B. Maarten Jager, Jan Franse G. Brakenhoff, Weiqi Liu, Luuk Kortekaas and Moniek Tromp explores an innovative approach to improving lithium-ion battery performance. Published in November 2026, the research introduces an in-situ (electro)polymerized itaconic acid coating for lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathodes.

The results are promising:

* Fast 3C charging reducing charging time.

* Increased specific capacity of up to 227 mAh/g, exceeding the theoretical capacity of conventional LFP.

* Improved energy and power densities, reaching up to 550 Wh/kg and 1,020 W/kg, respectively.

* Excellent cycling stability, with 99.99% capacity retention.

By combining an innovative polymer coating with a widely used and sustainable battery material, the study opens up new possibilities for the development of high-performance, fast-charging batteries for electric vehicles.

Congratulations to all authors on this achievement! Special congratulations to B. Maarten Jager and Jan Franse G. Brakenhoff, who contributed equally to this work.

Read the publication: https://doi.org/10.1002/bte2.70160