USTC unveils high-energy Mars battery with extended lifespan for exploration

USTC unveils high-energy Mars battery with extended lifespan for exploration

by Simon Mansfield

Sydney, Australia (SPX) Oct 29, 2024

A research team led by Prof. TAN Peng from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), has introduced a novel battery tailored to the demanding environmental conditions of Mars. Designed to harness the planet’s atmospheric components as a direct fuel source, this advanced battery offers increased energy density and a prolonged cycling lifespan, making it a significant candidate for Mars exploration power needs. The findings were recently published in *Science Bulletin*.

Mars’ atmosphere, dominated by approximately 95.32% carbon dioxide, creates an opportunity to utilize lithium-carbon dioxide reactions as a sustainable energy source. However, the severe challenges of the Martian environment – including a mix of gases and extreme temperature swings – have posed difficulties for reliable energy systems in the past. Within temperature ranges from 0 C to 60 C, the electrochemical stability of Mars batteries tends to fluctuate substantially.

In response, the research team developed a battery system specifically attuned to the Martian climate, simulating the planet’s surface environment in their lab. Their innovative battery harnesses the Martian atmosphere to generate power, achieving a steady energy output even in the cold temperatures as low as 0 C. In these conditions, the battery demonstrated an energy density of 373.9 Wh/kg and an operational lifespan of 1,375 hours, roughly equivalent to two Martian months.

The system’s energy generation hinges on electrochemical reactions involving lithium carbonate, which forms and breaks down during the battery’s charge and discharge cycles. Additionally, by creating an integrated electrode design and a foldable battery structure, the team enhanced the cell’s size to 2+ 2 cm. This led to a further boost in energy density, reaching 765 Wh/kg and 630 Wh/L in the prototype pouch battery.

This study offers a conceptual proof for Mars-adapted batteries and opens up possibilities for multi-energy complementary systems in space exploration. Such innovations could help sustain future missions that require reliable and long-lasting power on the Martian surface.

Research Report:A high-energy-density and long-cycling-lifespan Mars battery