Breakthrough Mars Battery Uses CO₂ for High Energy Density and Durability

Researchers at the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) have developed a new battery specifically for Mars. This battery uses carbon dioxide from the Martian atmosphere as fuel. The design focuses on providing high energy density and long-lasting performance under harsh Martian conditions.

Mars has a carbon dioxide concentration of about 95.32%. This makes it suitable for batteries that utilize lithium and CO₂ in their reactions. The challenging Martian environment includes fluctuating temperatures and various gas components. The battery’s performance depends heavily on temperature, especially within 0-60°C.

The research team simulated conditions on Mars to create this innovative battery system. At a low temperature of 0°C, they measured an energy density of 373.9 Wh/kg and a cycle life of approximately 1375 hours, equal to about two Martian months.

The battery operates through electrochemical reactions involving lithium carbonate. The researchers improved the battery’s energy density by enlarging the cell size to 2×2 cm² and utilizing a foldable structure. The pouch battery boasts an energy density of 765 Wh/kg and 630 Wh/L.

This study demonstrates the potential use of Mars batteries in real Martian conditions. It also opens the door for creating multi-energy systems for future space missions.

Reference: “A high-energy-density and long-cycling-lifespan Mars battery” by Xu Xiao et al., published in Science Bulletin on June 28, 2024. DOI: 10.1016/j.scib.2024.06.033.