Researchers at Yokohama National University have demonstrated how a porous graphene material could improve the performance of commercial lithium-ion batteries. The material, known as graphene mesosponge (GMS), helps electrons and lithium ions move more efficiently through densely packed battery electrodes, potentially improving both energy density and power density.
The study, published in Advanced Energy Materials on October 8, 2026, identifies graphene mesosponge as a promising conductive additive for high-performance batteries. The findings could support the development of batteries that store more energy while delivering power more efficiently, including applications in electric vehicles and consumer electronics.
Why Conventional Lithium-Ion Batteries Face Performance Limitations
Lithium-ion batteries power a wide range of devices, from smartphones and laptops to electric vehicles. However, improving their energy density without compromising charging and discharging performance remains a major challenge.
One approach involves increasing the amount of active material in battery electrodes while reducing components such as conductive additives and polymer binders, which do not directly store electricity. However, reducing these components can make it harder for electrons and lithium ions to move through densely packed electrodes.
Researchers have also investigated nickel-rich electrode materials to increase energy storage capacity. Pure nickel oxide, for example, has been explored as a potential candidate for high-energy batteries, but high-voltage operation can cause material degradation and affect battery performance.
“Achieving efficient electron and ion transport in high-loading, densely packed electrodes remains a major challenge for high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries,” said Naoaki Yabuuchi, a professor at Yokohama National University.
Graphene Mesosponge Creates Three-Dimensional Transport Networks
To address these limitations, the research team compared three carbon-based materials as potential conductive additives: acetylene black, single-walled carbon nanotubes and graphene mesosponge.
The researchers found that graphene mesosponge performed particularly well because of its interconnected, sponge-like porous structure. Even a small amount of the material helped establish three-dimensional pathways for electron and ion transport within the electrode.
Its interconnected carbon framework supports electronic conduction, while its tiny pores retain the battery’s electrolyte, allowing ions to move more efficiently through the electrode. This structure helps overcome transport limitations that typically emerge when electrodes contain high concentrations of active materials.
“The porous GMS architecture forms a three-dimensional electron- and ion-transport network, with electrolyte retained within its mesopores facilitating ion transport and resulting in superior rate capability,” said Yabuuchi.
The team also used focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) tomography, a three-dimensional imaging technique, to examine the internal structure of the electrodes. The analysis showed that graphene mesosponge helped create a more uniformly distributed electrode structure, supporting efficient movement of electrons throughout the material.
Improving Energy Density and Power Density in Future Batteries
The findings suggest that graphene mesosponge could help battery manufacturers improve energy and power densities simultaneously. Its ability to support efficient transport in densely packed electrodes makes it particularly promising for batteries designed to operate under practical conditions and at high current densities.
The research team sees functional conductive additives as an important way to improve battery performance without relying solely on changes to active electrode materials.
“Our results demonstrate that graphene mesosponge is a transformative conductive additive for simultaneously improving energy and power densities in practical lithium-ion batteries through rational microstructural design of dense composite electrodes,” said Yabuuchi.
The researchers are continuing their work, with a particular focus on enabling faster charging in batteries that use graphite as the negative electrode. Their longer-term objective is to develop practical lithium-ion batteries that combine high energy density, high power density and fast-charging capabilities.
“Our ultimate goal is to achieve fast-charging capability with a graphite negative electrode, thereby enabling the development of practical lithium-ion batteries that combine high energy density, high power density, and fast-charging capability,” said Yabuuchi.
The research team includes scientists from Yokohama National University, Yonsei University and 3DC Corporation. The project received support from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science and the Japan Science and Technology Agency.
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