{
  "id": 17677,
  "title": "Pressurizing EV battery electrodes could make them last longer, if it’s done right",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/07/30/pressurizing-ev-battery-electrodes-could-make-them-last-longer-if-its",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-07-30T15:00:40.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Physics World",
    "slug": "physics-world",
    "url": "https://physicsworld.com/a/pressurizing-ev-battery-electrodes-could-make-them-last-longer-if-its-done-right/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Researchers at the University of Cambridge have discovered a method to potentially double the lifespan of electric vehicle (EV) batteries by carefully applying pressure to their electrodes. The study, published in Nature Energy, suggests that optimizing the pressure within the battery electrodes could enhance safety and performance without the need for significant changes to the battery's chemistry.\n\nThe researchers developed a specialized dilatometer equipped with pneumatic bellows to precisely control the pressure on the electrodes. By testing commercial nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) lithium-ion pouch batteries under various pressure conditions, they found that applying 12.5 bar of pressure – a fourfold increase from typical values – resulted in a significant doubling of the battery's lifetime. In contrast, lower pressures led to accelerated degradation processes such as cathode cracking and lithium plating, while higher pressures caused an increase in lithium plating on the anode.\n\nThis pressure optimization approach balances the mechanical stress on the electrode particles, preventing localized high-stress concentrations that can cause cracking and excessive solid electrolyte interphase formation. However, the researchers caution that achieving the optimal pressure in real-world applications requires careful calibration to avoid damaging degradation mechanisms.\n\nMichael de Volder, one of the lead researchers, emphasizes that extending battery lifetimes reduces the demand for mining critical minerals, thereby improving the sustainability of EV batteries. As the team's findings show promise for commercial viability, the university has filed a patent, indicating potential interest from industry. If further research confirms these results at scale, this technique could not only increase the market value of second-hand EVs but also alleviate pressure on lithium mining and raw material requirements in battery manufacturing.",
  "summary": "Extending the lifetime of electric-vehicle batteries could reduce the need for mining critical minerals The post Pressurizing EV battery electrodes could make them last longer, if it’s done right appeared first on Physics World .",
  "key_points": [
    "Researchers at Cambridge discover method to double EV battery lifespan",
    "Optimize pressure within battery electrodes to enhance safety and performance",
    "12.5 bar pressure application doubles battery lifetime, prevents degradation"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}