3D-printed thick cathodes achieve record areal capacity via anisotropic ion transport design
Peer-Reviewed Publication
Updates every hour. Last Updated: 20-Dec-2025 08:11 ET (20-Dec-2025 13:11 GMT/UTC)
A Chinese research team led by Zhong-Shuai Wu at the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics has developed a layer-by-layer 3D printing strategy for constructing thick lithium-ion battery cathodes with anisotropic ion pathways, achieving a record-high areal capacity of 38.4 mAh cm-2.
Lithium-ion batteries and plastics—two of the most consumed products in modern society—are becoming increasingly problematic when they reach the end of their lives. While batteries pose risks due to toxic components and resource waste, plastics challenge global recycling systems with their sheer volume and chemical durability.
Now, researchers from Soochow University and Harbin Engineering University have jointly developed a novel, dual-waste recycling strategy that addresses both problems simultaneously. In a study recently published in Science China Chemistry, they report a breakthrough in repurposing spent lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery materials and graphite anodes into highly efficient photothermal catalysts capable of upgrading waste polyester plastics such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
Experts are calling for a global effort to identify “positive tipping points” to accelerate the green transition – and have devised a method to find them.