Monash University researchers claim to have developed the world’s most efficient lithium-sulphur (Li-S) battery, and are set to commercialise the patented manufacturing process.

The team led by Dr Mahdokht Shaibani from the university’s Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering has created an ultra-high-capacity Li-S battery that has better performance and less environmental impact than current lithium-ion products.

Prototype cells have already been successfully fabricated in Germany at the Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology.

Team member Prof Mainak Majumder describes the new design as a breakthrough for Australian industry that could transform the way phones, cars, computers and solar grids are manufactured in the future.

“Successful fabrication and implementation of Li-S batteries in cars and grids will capture a more significant part of the estimated $213 billion value chain of Australian lithium, and will revolutionise the Australian vehicle market and provide all Australians with a cleaner and more reliable energy market,” said Prof Majumder.

“Our research team has received more than $2.5 million in funding from government and international industry partners to trial this battery technology in cars and grids from this year, which we’re most excited about.”

The key to the new battery structure are the sulphur cathodes that can accommodate higher stress loads without a drop in overall capacity or performance. The team has team engineered a method that created bonds between particles to accommodate stress and deliver a level of stability not previously seen in any battery.