How can scientists make batteries last longer, and what does the discovery of “breathing” batteries mean for the future of electronics and clean energy?
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| Advanced X-ray imaging reveals how internal stress damages batteries over time, offering a path to more durable, longer-lasting energy storage solutions. Image: CH |
Tech Desk — January 9, 2026:
Batteries power nearly every aspect of modern life—from smartphones and laptops to electric vehicles—but their lifespan has always been limited. Now, an international team of researchers has uncovered the microscopic reasons behind battery degradation, a discovery that could lead to devices that last far longer and perform more reliably.
Scientists from the University of Texas at Austin, Northeastern University, Stanford University, and Argonne National Laboratory have found that batteries physically “breathe” during charging and discharging. This expansion and contraction—similar to the motion of human lungs—causes internal stress over time, gradually weakening the battery’s components and reducing its ability to hold a charge.
At the core of the problem are the millions of microscopic particles inside a battery’s electrodes. As lithium ions move in and out during charging and use, some particles shift rapidly while others barely move, creating uneven stress. This process, known as “strain cascades,” spreads through the battery material, eventually causing cracks, deformation, and performance loss. Researchers describe the phenomenon as “chemomechanical degradation,” a subtle but relentless form of wear that has been difficult to observe until now.
To study these effects, the team used advanced X-ray imaging techniques, including transmission X-ray microscopy and 3D X-ray laminography. These tools allowed scientists to capture real-time, three-dimensional images of particle movement and interaction, revealing the complex mechanical processes that underlie battery failure.
Understanding these processes opens the door to engineering batteries that are more resilient. By designing materials that distribute stress more evenly or accommodate internal movement, future batteries could retain capacity for longer periods, reducing the need for frequent replacements and mitigating electronic waste.
The implications extend beyond consumer electronics. Electric vehicles, renewable energy storage systems, and portable medical devices all depend on batteries that maintain high performance over thousands of cycles. This research provides a scientific foundation for creating energy storage solutions that are both durable and sustainable.
While commercial applications may still be a few years away, the discovery that batteries “breathe” and experience internal stress marks a critical step toward longer-lasting, more reliable devices. As our reliance on battery-powered technology grows, insights like these could redefine how energy storage is designed, managed, and used around the world.