Molyon, a Cambridge-based university spinout, is pioneering a shift in battery technology with a significant £3.6m funding boost.
- Sulphur, widely available, is being utilised by Molyon to create high-density lithium-sulphur batteries.
- These new batteries aim to replace traditional lithium-ion models by offering greater energy density and reducing reliance on scarce materials.
- The fresh funds will facilitate the initial production phase, focusing on applications in drones and robotics.
- Molyon’s innovative approach could transform power solutions, particularly in the transportation sector.
Molyon, a company emerging from the University of Cambridge, is striving to revolutionise the battery industry with its recent acquisition of £3.6m in funding. This substantial financial backing is intended to support their development of lithium-sulphur batteries, which promise to surpass traditional lithium-ion batteries in terms of energy density.
The core innovation lies in Molyon’s use of sulphur, one of the Earth’s most abundant elements, to improve battery efficiency. This addresses the industry’s current limitations of heavy batteries with restricted range and frequent recharging needs. Additionally, this advancement reduces the need for crucial materials such as nickel, manganese, and cobalt, which are often subject to supply constraints.
The recent investment will enable Molyon to advance to the manufacturing stage at their pilot facility. This phase will specifically target the production of lithium-sulphur batteries for use in drones and robotics, where lightweight and high-capacity energy sources are critical.
Looking ahead, Molyon plans to extend its reach to the broader transportation industry, which stands to gain significantly from more efficient energy solutions. As explained by Dr Ismail Sami, Molyon’s co-founder and CEO, “The promise of lithium-sulphur batteries has been envisaged for decades but until now it has not been possible to realise this potential because of the inherent chemistry challenges of working with sulphur.” The incorporation of MoS2 signifies a breakthrough in making this battery chemistry market-ready, potentially alleviating range anxiety for users.
This financial round was led by Plural and IQ Capital, with additional support from esteemed institutions such as the University of Cambridge and the European Research Council, among others. Carina Namih, a partner at Plural, remarked on the transformative potential of Molyon’s discovery, highlighting its implications for various applications, from drones and robots to electric vehicles and energy storage.
In the wake of escalating global efforts to mitigate climate change, breakthroughs like Molyon’s are essential. The transition toward electrification demands advanced battery technologies that not only cater to increased energy requirements but also adhere to sustainability standards.
Molyon’s pioneering efforts in battery technology could significantly impact the future of energy storage and use, paving the way for sustainable innovations.
