Breakthrough shines light on battery charging

13 June 2025

Reaching for your phone charger could become a thing of the past, thanks to new research from London South Bank University, which literally shines a light on battery charging.

Unlike most mobile phone batteries, which are made of rare earth elements, a research team, led by LSBU’s Dr Tariq Sajjad, discovered that batteries made from tungsten oxide – a humble material found inside light bulbs – could store more energy when natural light is shone on them.

And the good news for cooler climates is that the light does not need to be strong. It could be as simple as exposing the battery to light on a windowsill during charging.

The findings, published in leading academic journal, Advanced Function Materials, showed that unlike the batteries we use today, a tungsten oxide battery does not degrade like today's batteries, so you won’t notice your device performance degrading over time.

Not only does the discovery signify a safe, low-cost way to prolong battery life for billions of consumers around the world, it is also good news for the environment.

Manganese, a rare element, is used in the manufacture of many batteries and accounts for around 61% of the electrode material, which allows energy to be stored in your battery. They are also widely used in electric cars. Manganese can be toxic and is only mined in a few countries.

Tungsten oxide, meanwhile, dual function electrode material, can be found around the world, so is more widely available and not concentrated in a particular region.

The potential for these findings extends well beyond phone batteries and presents opportunities for social and economic impact around the world.

Dr Tariq Sajjad, Associate Professor in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, LSBU, said: “There’s huge potential to use these batteries to develop low-cost, sustainable energy systems across the globe, where there is a natural abundance of daylight. Whether it’s cities working to cut carbon emissions or remote villages without reliable electricity, photobatteries offer a smart, flexible way to store and use energy when it’s needed most.

“By looking carefully at battery design and improving the way we process materials, this can make a huge difference. The low cost, accessibility and minimal environmental impact of this solution could improve lives and increase productivity.”

The research team has filed a patent for photoelectrode, for materials innovation and innovative battery architecture. This covers development of low-cost and safer materials, and battery architecture, where the team modified the structure to enhance the capacity and stability.

Professor Steve Dunn, Director of the Energy, Materials and Environment Research Centre, said: “It was a real thrill to work with Tariq and support to develop this new concept. Addressing the challenges of energy density, improving longevity of a battery while using safe and globally available materials is a significant step forward to providing electrification of our networks.”

The research is published in the 12 June edition of Advanced Functional Materials. Dr Sajjad’s team comprised Rabia Khatoon, Mudasar Nazir, Mathew Billing, Shumaila Babar, Suela Kellici and Steve Dunn from LSBU, with Richard T. Baker from the University of St Andrews.

More information about Dr Sajjad’s research group is available at tariq-lab.com, and the Materials Analysis Device Design (MADD) group at the LSBU website.