Overview

• Researchers from NIMTE and the University of Chicago developed zero thermal expansion (ZTE) cathodes to counteract structural distortions in lithium-ion batteries.
• The new ZTE materials achieved nearly 100% voltage recovery in aging batteries when subjected to 4.0 V voltage pulses.
• By tuning reversible oxygen-redox activity, scientists enabled precise control of thermal expansion, switching between negative, zero, and positive states.
• The findings, published in *Nature*, propose integrating smart charging systems to exploit in situ disorder-order transitions, potentially doubling battery lifespan.
• This innovation addresses key challenges in lithium-ion battery durability, with implications for electric vehicles, grid storage, and aerospace applications.