Graphene mesosponge additive forms 3D conductive network in dense Li-ion electrodes, Yokohama team finds

A research team from YOKOHAMA National University, Yonsei University and 3DC corporation has reported that graphene mesosponge (GMS) works as a conductive additive in lithium-ion battery electrodes with a high content of active material. According to ResearchSEA, the authors say the additive improves both energy density and power density in commercial lithium-ion batteries. The work was published in Advanced Energy Materials on October 8, 2026. asiaresearchnews.comResearchSEAasiaresearchnews.comOpen source ↗

The problem of dense electrodes

In current commercial lithium-ion batteries, the positive electrode limits energy density. To raise it, researchers increase the share of active material and reduce the parts of the composite electrode that do not store charge, such as conductive additives and polymer binders. If the balance is pushed too far, electrons and ions cannot move freely through the material and the battery becomes inefficient. asiaresearchnews.comResearchSEAasiaresearchnews.comOpen source ↗

Naoaki Yabuuchi, a professor at YOKOHAMA National University, said that efficient electron and ion transport in high-loading, densely packed electrodes remains a major challenge for high-energy-density batteries. asiaresearchnews.comResearchSEAasiaresearchnews.comOpen source ↗

What the team compared and observed

The researchers characterized and compared three carbon materials as possible conductive additives: acetylene black, single-walled carbon nanotubes and graphene mesosponge. They found that GMS acts as a functional additive that shapes the electrode microstructure through its sponge-like mesoporous framework. asiaresearchnews.comResearchSEAasiaresearchnews.comOpen source ↗

According to the authors, a small amount of GMS was enough to form three-dimensional electron- and ion-conducting networks. The porous framework lets the electrolyte penetrate deep into the regions where energy is stored. Yabuuchi said the electrolyte retained in the mesopores facilitates ion transport and gives superior rate capability. asiaresearchnews.comResearchSEAasiaresearchnews.comOpen source ↗

Using FIB-SEM tomography, a 3D imaging technique, the team showed that GMS produces a more uniformly distributed internal structure of the electrode. The authors describe it as a three-dimensional nanoscale sponge-like structure in which electrons move more freely. asiaresearchnews.comResearchSEAasiaresearchnews.comOpen source ↗

The team's stated long-term goal is fast-charging capability with a graphite negative electrode, combined with high energy and power density in practical lithium-ion batteries. The work was supported by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science and the Japan Science and Technology Agency. asiaresearchnews.comResearchSEAasiaresearchnews.comOpen source ↗