A Cambridge-based startup is pioneering a new frontier in battery technology.
- The company has raised £3.6 million to enhance battery energy capacity using sulphur.
- Utilising abundant sulphur, the firm aims to surpass traditional lithium-ion batteries in energy density.
- Funds will aid in pilot manufacturing for drones and robotics, with future plans in transportation.
- Breakthroughs in lithium-sulphur batteries indicate potential reductions in range anxiety for electric vehicles.
Molyon, a promising university spinout from Cambridge, is making significant strides in battery technology by securing £3.6 million in a recent funding round. This development comes as the company seeks to revolutionise energy capacity through lithium-sulphur batteries, which promise greater energy density compared to conventional lithium-ion solutions. The incorporation of sulphur, a readily available element, addresses persistent supply chain concerns linked to critical materials such as nickel and cobalt.
The fresh injection of capital, co-led by Plural VC and IQ Capital, will facilitate the initiation of pilot production, specifically targeting lithium-sulphur batteries designed for drones and robotic systems. This strategic move not only positions Molyon at the forefront of energy technology innovation but also opens pathways to broader applications in the transportation sector. Initially founded this year, the startup has already attracted backing from esteemed institutions, including the University of Cambridge, the Faraday Institution, and the European Research Council.
Molyon’s CEO, Dr Ismail Sami, emphasises the potential of lithium-sulphur technology in overcoming historical chemistry challenges associated with sulphur. He asserts that leveraging MoS2 compounds has allowed Molyon to achieve a pivotal innovation in battery chemistry, claiming that this breakthrough will ultimately alleviate ‘range anxiety’ typically experienced with electric vehicles.
Carina Namih, a partner at Plural, further accentuates the transformative impact of Molyon’s discoveries. According to Namih, the advancement in battery performance is poised to enhance the range and capabilities of not only drones and robots but also electric vehicles, electric mobility solutions, and battery storage.
As global pressures mount to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and transition to electrification, innovations in battery efficiency have become essential. Molyon’s progress represents a noteworthy step in addressing the increasing demand for robust, energy-efficient solutions that align with environmental imperatives.
Molyon’s advancements signal a promising future for energy-efficient technologies, marking a pivotal step in the electrification journey.
