Japanese scientists make better lithium-ion battery without cobalt

Prototype offers potential to replace expensive, polluting material

Researchers have developed a new lithium-ion battery prototype that does not use expensive and environmentally harmful cobalt. (Image courtesy of University of Tokyo)

JOTA TSUCHIYA, Nikkei staff writer

October 29, 2023 03:01 JST

TOKYO -- Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a prototype cobalt-free lithium-ion battery that can store around 60% more energy than alternatives of the same size.

Lithium-ion batteries, used to power various products from smartphones to electric vehicles, typically have electrodes that contain cobalt, nickel and manganese. But scientists have been working on cobalt-free alternatives, since the material is both expensive and highly damaging to the environment.