“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. Researchers have added graphene mesosponge to commercial lithium-ion batteries to overcome that bottleneck, improving both energy and power densities, according to a study the journal Advanced Energy Materials published on October 8, 2026, Asia Research News | reported. Scientists are working toward a cleaner, more sustainable society by developing more powerful batteries that power devices ranging from smartphones and laptops to electric vehicles.
The problem has long been that adding more mass to batteries restricts how fast electricity and lithium ions can move. Scientists have explored pure nickel oxide as a high-energy electrode material, but high voltage stresses the nickel atoms and degrades the battery, making charging and discharging harder.
To increase energy density, researchers try to pack more active material into electrodes while reducing conductive additives and polymer binders that do not store electricity. But that leaves too little room for electricity to flow freely through the material. The research team added graphene mesosponge to improve how the battery conducts fast discharge.
Three Carbon Materials Tested; Graphene Mesosponge Wins
The team compared acetylene black, single-walled carbon nanotubes, and graphene mesosponge as conductive additives. Graphene mesosponge stood out because its sponge-like mesoporous framework tailors the electrode microstructure. Adding just a small amount created three-dimensional networks for electrons and ions, according to the study.
“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,” Yabuuchi said.
The porous structure lets electrolyte move deeply into the energy-storing parts of the battery. Using FIB-SEM tomography, a 3D imaging technique, the team showed the material creates a uniformly distributed internal structure for the electrode. The team views functional conductive additives like graphene mesosponge as a promising strategy for maximizing battery performance under practical operation conditions.
Fast-Charging Goal with Graphite Electrodes
“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,” Yabuuchi said.
“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,” Yabuuchi said.
The research team includes Yosuke Ugata, Rei Matsumoto, Sera Sato, and Naoaki Yabuuchi from YOKOHAMA National University; Jaejin Lim and Yong Min Lee from Yonsei University; and Hiroshi Ueda, Atsuo Omaru, and Kosuke Ishii from 3DC corporation. The Japan Society of the Promotion of Science and Japan Science and Technology Agency support the work. Through interdisciplinary research and international partnerships, YOKOHAMA National University drives innovation and contributes to global societal advancement.