Development of Fast-Charging Lithium-ion Batteries for the Electrification of Transportation via Canadian-Sourced Minerals
Project overview
This research project focuses on revolutionizing lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) for electric vehicles (EVs) to combat Canada's rising CO2 emissions from the transportation sector. With a rapid charge time of five minutes or less and a target cost of USD $80/kWh, the project addresses current barriers to EV marketability.
By using locally sourced materials and collaborating with Quebec and Canadian industries, the initiative aims to make EVs more accessible, particularly for lower-income individuals, while advancing Canada's greenhouse reduction targets.
This research project spans the entire battery development process, from materials design to battery pack assembly. The innovative approach not only promises economic growth and battery materials independence but also contributes to clean energy technology innovation and reduction in greenhouse gas emission. Through this initiative, the project strives to create a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future for Canada, aligning with the urgent need to address climate change and its impact on citizens.
Key project details
| Principal investigator | Karim Zaghib, professor, Chemical and Materials Engineering and CEO of Volt-Age, Concordia University |
|
Co-principal investigators |
Xia Li, assistant professor, Chemical and Materials Engineering, Concordia University; Sixu Deng, assistant professor, Chemical and Materials Engineering, Concordia University | |
Research collaborators |
Sarah Sajedi, Environmental Management Solutions | |
| Non-academic partners | Lightening Energy, AI Mogul, Nouveau Monde Graphite | |
| Research Keywords | Lithium-ion batteries, ultrafast charge, high energy densities, long cycle life, electrification, electric vehicles, sustainability | |
| Budget | Cash: $400,000 In-kind: $400,000 |
Publications:
A. Nekahi, A. K. Madikere Raghunatha Reddy, X. Li, S. Deng, and K. Zaghib, “Rechargeable Batteries for the Electrification of Society: Past, Present, and Future,” Electrochem. Energy Rev., vol. 8, no. 1, p. 1, Dec. 2025, doi: 10.1007/s41918-024-00235-8.
M. Dorri, A. K. M R, and K. Zaghib, “In operando and in situ characterization tools for advanced rechargeable batteries: Effects of electrode origin and electrolyte,” Journal of Power Sources, vol. 658, p. 238188, Dec. 2025, doi: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2025.238188.
A. Nekahi et al., “Toward Green Renewable Energies and Energy Storage for the Sustainable Decarbonization and Electrification of Society,” Electrochem. Energy Rev., vol. 8, no. 1, p. 12, Dec. 2025, doi: 10.1007/s41918-025-00247-y.
M. Dorri et al., “Exploring sustainable lithium iron phosphate cathodes for Li-ion batteries: From mine to precursor and cathode production,” Journal of Power Sources, vol. 656, p. 238041, Nov. 2025, doi: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2025.238041.
I. Bahaj, A. Kumar M R, M. B. Armand, and K. Zaghib, “In memory of Bruno Scrosati: Metal salts for rechargeable Batteries: Past, present, and future,” Journal of Power Sources, vol. 655, p. 237898, Nov. 2025, doi: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2025.237898.
G. Vegh et al., “Life cycle assessment of nickel, manganese, cobalt critical minerals: lithium hydroxide monohydrate (mine-to-material) in Québec, Canada,” Journal of Power Sources, vol. 657, p. 238149, Nov. 2025, doi: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2025.238149.
Y. Dou et al., “Manganese‐Based Spinel Cathodes: A Promising Frontier for Solid‐State Lithium‐Ion Batteries,” Advanced Materials, p. e14126, Oct. 2025, doi: 10.1002/adma.202514126.
K. Vishweswariah, N. G. Ningappa, M. D. Bouguern, A. Kumar M R, Michel. B. Armand, and K. Zaghib, “Evaluation and Characterization of SEI Composition in Lithium Metal and Anode‐Free Lithium Batteries,” Advanced Energy Materials, vol. 15, no. 39, p. 2501883, Oct. 2025, doi: 10.1002/aenm.202501883.
Q. Yu et al., “An active bifunctional natural dye for stable all-solid-state organic batteries,” Nat Commun, vol. 16, no. 1, p. 8364, Sep. 2025, doi: 10.1038/s41467-025-62301-z.
J. Goudarzi et al., “Sustainable Recovery of Critical Metals from Spent Lithium-Ion Batteries Using Deep Eutectic Solvents,” Batteries, vol. 11, no. 9, p. 340, Sep. 2025, doi: 10.3390/batteries11090340.
N. G. Ningappa, K. Vishweswariah, M. D. Bouguern, A. K. M R, K. Amine, and K. Zaghib, “Mechanistic insights and materials strategies for dendrite-free metal anodes in alkali and zinc batteries,” Nano Energy, vol. 141, p. 111144, Aug. 2025, doi: 10.1016/j.nanoen.2025.111144.
A. Nekahi, E. Feyzi, M. Srivastava, F. Yeganehdoust, A. K. Madikere Raghunagtha Reddy, and K. Zaghib, “Advanced lithium-ion battery process manufacturing equipment for gigafactories: Past, present, and future perspectives,” iScience, vol. 28, no. 7, p. 112691, Jul. 2025, doi: 10.1016/j.isci.2025.112691.
M. Srivastava, A. Kumar M R, S. Ahmed, and K. Zaghib, “Exploring oxide cathodes for Li-ion batteries: From mineral mining to active material production,” Journal of Power Sources, vol. 645, p. 236968, Jul. 2025, doi: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2025.236968.
B. Ramasubramanian et al., “Boosting hybrid capacitive-intercalative Al-ion storage with N-F doped nanocarbon electrodes,” Journal of Power Sources, vol. 643, p. 237012, Jul. 2025, doi: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2025.237012.
E. Feyzi, M. Rezaei, A. Nekahi, A. K. M R, M. B. Armand, and K. Zaghib, “Carbon in lithium-ion battery technology and beyond; Tribute to Kim Kinoshita,” Energy Storage Materials, vol. 79, p. 104348, Jun. 2025, doi: 10.1016/j.ensm.2025.104348.
M. R. Raj, K. Zaghib, and G. Lee, “Advanced aqueous electrolytes for aluminum-ion batteries: Challenges and opportunities,” Energy Storage Materials, vol. 78, p. 104211, May 2025, doi: 10.1016/j.ensm.2025.104211.
A. Aghili Mehrizi, F. Yeganehdoust, A. K. Madikere Raghunatha Reddy, and K. Zaghib, “Challenges and Issues Facing Ultrafast-Charging Lithium-Ion Batteries,” Batteries, vol. 11, no. 6, p. 209, May 2025, doi: 10.3390/batteries11060209.
K. Nikgoftar, A. K. Madikere Raghunatha Reddy, M. V. Reddy, and K. Zaghib, “Carbonaceous Materials as Anodes for Lithium-Ion and Sodium-Ion Batteries,” Batteries, vol. 11, no. 4, p. 123, Mar. 2025, doi: 10.3390/batteries11040123
M. Rezaei et al., “A review of lithium-ion battery recycling for enabling a circular economy,” Journal of Power Sources, vol. 630, p. 236157, Feb. 2025, doi: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2024.236157.
M. Rezaei, A. Nekahi, E. Feyzi, A. K. M R, J. Nanda, and K. Zaghib, “Advancing the circular economy by driving sustainable urban mining of end-of-life batteries and technological advancements,” Energy Storage Materials, vol. 75, p. 104035, Feb. 2025, doi: 10.1016/j.ensm.2025.104035.
A. K. Madikere Raghunatha Reddy, A. Darwiche, M. V. Reddy, and K. Zaghib, “Review on Advancements in Carbon Nanotubes: Synthesis, Purification, and Multifaceted Applications,” Batteries, vol. 11, no. 2, p. 71, Feb. 2025, doi: 10.3390/batteries11020071.
A. A. Dar et al., “Sustainable Extraction of Critical Minerals from Waste Batteries: A Green Solvent Approach in Resource Recovery,” Batteries, vol. 11, no. 2, p. 51, Jan. 2025, doi: 10.3390/batteries11020051.
F. Yeganehdoust, A. K. Madikere Raghunatha Reddy, and K. Zaghib, “Cell Architecture Design for Fast-Charging Lithium-Ion Batteries in Electric Vehicles,” Batteries, vol. 11, no. 1, p. 20, Jan. 2025, doi: 10.3390/batteries11010020.
N. G. Ningappa, A. K. Madikere Raghunatha Reddy, and K. Zaghib, “Advanced Polymer Electrolytes in Solid-State Batteries,” Batteries, vol. 10, no. 12, p. 454, Dec. 2024, doi: 10.3390/batteries10120454.
K. Vishweswariah, A. K. Madikere Raghunatha Reddy, and K. Zaghib, “Beyond Organic Electrolytes: An Analysis of Ionic Liquids for Advanced Lithium Rechargeable Batteries,” Batteries, vol. 10, no. 12, p. 436, Dec. 2024, doi: 10.3390/batteries10120436.
M. D. Bouguern, A. K. M R, and K. Zaghib, “The critical role of interfaces in advanced Li-ion battery technology: A comprehensive review,” Journal of Power Sources, vol. 623, p. 235457, Dec. 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2024.235457.
S. Ahmed, A. K. Madikere Raghunatha Reddy, and K. Zaghib, “Transformations of Critical Lithium Ores to Battery-Grade Materials: From Mine to Precursors,” Batteries, vol. 10, no. 11, p. 379, Oct. 2024, doi: 10.3390/batteries10110379.
E. Feyzi, A. K. M R, X. Li, S. Deng, J. Nanda, and K. Zaghib, “A comprehensive review of silicon anodes for high-energy lithium-ion batteries: Challenges, latest developments, and perspectives,” Next Energy, vol. 5, p. 100176, Oct. 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.nxener.2024.100176.
M. Ruby Raj, G. Lee, M. V. Reddy, and K. Zaghib, “Recent Advances in Development of Organic Battery Materials for Monovalent and Multivalent Metal-Ion Rechargeable Batteries,” ACS Appl. Energy Mater., vol. 7, no. 19, pp. 8196–8255, Oct. 2024, doi: 10.1021/acsaem.3c02382.
G. Vegh et al., “North America’s Potential for an Environmentally Sustainable Nickel, Manganese, and Cobalt Battery Value Chain,” Batteries, vol. 10, no. 11, p. 377, Oct. 2024, doi: 10.3390/batteries10110377.
A. K. M. R., A. Nekahi, M. D. Bouguern, D. Ma, and K. Zaghib, “Advancements and Challenges in Perovskite-Based Photo-Induced Rechargeable Batteries and Supercapacitors: A Comparative Review,” Batteries, vol. 10, no. 8, p. 284, Aug. 2024, doi: 10.3390/batteries10080284.
A. Nekahi et al., “Comparative Issues of Metal-Ion Batteries toward Sustainable Energy Storage: Lithium vs. Sodium,” Batteries, vol. 10, no. 8, p. 279, Aug. 2024, doi: 10.3390/batteries10080279.
M. Srivastava, A. K. M. R., and K. Zaghib, “Binders for Li-Ion Battery Technologies and Beyond: A Comprehensive Review,” Batteries, vol. 10, no. 8, p. 268, Jul. 2024, doi: 10.3390/batteries10080268.
A. Nekahi, A. Kumar M.R., X. Li, S. Deng, and K. Zaghib, “Sustainable LiFePO4 and LiMnxFe1-xPO4 (x=0.1–1) cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries: A systematic review from mine to chassis,” Materials Science and Engineering: R: Reports, vol. 159, p. 100797, Jun. 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.mser.2024.100797.
B. Ramasubramanian, G. K. Dalapati, M. V. V. Reddy, K. Zaghib, V. Chellappan, and S. Ramakrishna, “Progress and Complexities in Metal–Air Battery Technology,” Energy Tech, vol. 12, no. 5, p. 2301375, May 2024, doi: 10.1002/ente.202301375.
Accepted publications in national and international conferences:
Z. Yang, “Unravelling the Impact of Carbon Hosts on Chemistry and Microstructure Evolution in Sulfur Cathodes and Interface Design for High-Performance Solid-Sate Li-S Batteries,” May 2025. [Online]. Available: https://ecs.confex.com/ecs/247/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/204197
A. Nizami, “Theoretical Insights into Polymer Interface Coatings for Lithium-Sulfur Battery Cathodes,” May 2025. [Online]. Available: https://ecs.confex.com/ecs/247/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/204410
Des retards, mais de grandes ambitions pour Bécancour, La Presse, March 11, 2025.
Powering the Future: The Evolution of Batteries and Electric Vehicles, 4th SPACE Concordia University, February 6, 2025.
Le client secret de Northvolt est Navistar International, La Presse, December 20, 2024.
Energies nouvelles et renouvelables : Arkab reçoit le chercheur Karim Zaghib, Eco Times, December 8, 2024.
L’ex-ministre Pierre Fitzgibbon nommé au comité consultatif du programme Volt-Age de l’Université Concordia, Journal de Montréal, December 6, 2024.
Électrification: une croissance malgré des vents contraires, Journal de Montréal, September 28, 2024.
Northvolt mise-t-elle sur la bonne technologie de batterie?, Le Devoir, September 25, 2024.
Volt-Age : 40 millions pour la recherche, La Presse, September 24, 2024.
Pas d’industrie sans machinerie, Le Devoir, July 11, 2024.
Sommet sur les batteries et l’hydrogène vert: deux ministres conscients des enjeux régionaux, TVA Nouvelles, May 16, 2024.
Nabilah Al-Ansi: Concordia Horizon PDF Fellowship, Concordia University, September 1, 2025.
Yuxiao Zhang: Leonard F. Ruggins Engineering PhD Scholarship, Concordia University, September 1, 2025.
Xia Li: Global Chemical Engineering Award for Outstanding Female Scientist, Global Chinese Chemical Engineers Symposium (GCCES), August 30, 2025.
Karim Zaghib: Officer of the Order of Canada, Concordia University, June 30, 2025.
Natalia Vargas Perdomo: Concordia PhD Splide Fellowship, Concordia University, May 30, 2025.
Xia Li: Concordia Provost’s Circle of Distinction, Concordia University, April 30, 2025.
Xia Li: College Member of Royal Society of Canada, Royal Society of Canada, September 30, 2024.
Xia Li: Concordia Research Impact Award, Concordia University, September 30, 2024.
Anna Thinphang-nga: Canadian Chemistry Conference and Exhibition Student Award, Canadian Chemistry Conference, June 30, 2024.
Research focus
Silicon and natural graphite based anodes
This research objective aims to address capacity and stability issues caused by significant volume expansion during lithiation in many Lithium-ion Batteries (LIBs). The focus is on developing Silicon (Si) and Nano-Graphite (NG) anodes for high-performance LIBs. The project involves studying different ratios of Si and NG particles to explore a range of compositions.
Ni-rich layered and olivine polyanion cathodes
One focal point of this study is to optimize both Ni-rich layered cathodes (NMC) and olivine polyanion cathodes, such as lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP), by combining their advantages and addressing their disadvantages. To improve the conductivity of LMFP, a carbon-coated technology with sucrose properties will be developed using a water-resistant method, eliminating the need for expensive and toxic solvents like N Methyl Pyrrolidone (NMP) in electrode fabrication.
Electrolytes
This project also focuses on developing a stable interfacial layer to protect electrodes and prevent unwanted side reactions in Lithium-ion Batteries (LIBs). This part of the research aims to create stable and highly conductive liquid electrolytes by exploring combinations of various material. The investigation involves assessing the conductivity and viscosity of these electrolytes to comprehend their properties and performance in enhancing LIBs stability.
Battery performance
Another aspect of the research is about investigating the optimal assembly and construction of LIBs through coin cell testing, evaluating anodes, cathodes and electrolytes. This approach aids in understanding battery capacity, cycle life, efficiency and fast-charge capability under various conditions, contributing to the optimization of battery material design. Using battery materials sourced from local mines in the performance evaluation supports greener mining practices and potentially reduces the regional carbon footprint of the mining industry.
Characterization
To support the research objectives, advanced characterization techniques will be employed to investigate the mechanisms of the developed LIBs. X-ray spectroscopy and diffractions microscopies and other characterizations will be deployed to investigate the materials morphology, crystalline structure, chemical states, local environments, mechanical properties and thermal stability.
Non-academic partners
Thank you to our non-academic partners for your support and trust.
Volt-Age is funded by a $123-million grant from the Canada First Research Excellence Fund.
