As the world moves toward renewable energy and electric vehicles, the need for better batteries is becoming more urgent. Today, most devices — from smartphones to electric cars — rely on lithium-ion batteries.
While effective, lithium supplies are limited and expensive, and current batteries are approaching their performance limits.
Scientists are now searching for safer, cheaper, and more sustainable alternatives. A new study suggests calcium-ion batteries could be one promising option.
Researchers at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), working with colleagues from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, have developed a new type of calcium-ion battery that performs far better than earlier versions.
Their findings were published in the journal Advanced Science.
Calcium has several advantages over lithium. It is far more abundant in the Earth’s crust and therefore potentially cheaper and more sustainable.
Calcium-ion batteries can also operate within a similar voltage range to lithium-ion batteries, meaning they could eventually power many of the same devices.
However, until now, calcium batteries have struggled with technical challenges, especially moving calcium ions efficiently inside the battery and maintaining stable performance over many charging cycles.
To solve these problems, the research team designed a new material called a quasi-solid-state electrolyte. This material helps charged calcium particles travel more easily between the battery’s electrodes, which is essential for producing and storing energy. The scientists built this electrolyte using special organic frameworks rich in carbonyl groups, which form tiny, well-ordered channels that guide calcium ions smoothly through the material.
Tests showed that the new battery design had strong performance. It delivered high energy capacity and maintained stable operation over 1,000 charge-and-discharge cycles, retaining most of its capacity even after extensive use. This level of durability suggests that calcium-ion batteries could eventually be suitable for real-world applications such as renewable energy storage and electric transportation.
Researchers also discovered why the design worked so well. The calcium ions moved rapidly along the aligned chemical structures inside the material, allowing efficient energy transfer at room temperature. This improved transport of ions addresses one of the biggest barriers that previously limited calcium battery technology.
The scientists say their work demonstrates the potential of calcium-ion batteries as a sustainable alternative to lithium-ion systems. Because calcium is widely available, these batteries could reduce reliance on scarce resources and lower environmental impact.
Although more development is needed before calcium batteries reach the market, the breakthrough offers hope for a future where energy storage is both efficient and environmentally friendly. Advances like this could support the global transition to clean energy, making renewable power more reliable and electric vehicles more accessible.
If successful, calcium-ion batteries may one day power homes, cars, and electronic devices — proving that the next generation of energy storage could come from one of Earth’s most common elements.
