TechCrunch Startup News cover image

TechCrunch Startup News

Cambridge materials science spin-out Molyon is on a mission to make next-gen batteries fly

Nov 27, 2024
Ismail Sami, CEO and co-founder of Molyon, is at the forefront of battery innovation, leading a Cambridge University spin-out focused on next-gen lithium-sulfur batteries. He discusses the pivotal role of battery tech in electrification and decarbonization efforts. Sami unveils how their advanced batteries, utilizing molybdenum disulfide, promise superior energy density and resilience, which could transform applications for drones and electric vehicles. The ambitious plan to build a pilot facility highlights their commitment to overcoming commercialization hurdles.
08:32

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Malian's innovation in lithium-sulfur batteries utilizes molybdenum disulfide to improve stability, addressing current lithium-ion technology limitations.
  • The startup's $4.6 million funding will support a pilot production facility in Cambridge, focusing on applications like drones and electric vehicles.

Deep dives

Next-Gen Lithium-Sulfur Batteries

Lithium-sulfur batteries offer significant advantages over traditional lithium-ion batteries, including higher energy density and better supply chain resilience due to the abundance of sulfur. Current lithium-ion batteries face challenges such as high costs, reliance on rare materials like cobalt, and limited performance, which impacts the usability of devices such as smartphones and electric vehicles. Malian, a UK startup, aims to address these issues by stabilizing lithium-sulfur technology through the innovative use of metallic molybdenum disulfide (MOS2) as a cathode additive, which prevents sulfur from dissolving into the battery electrolyte. This breakthrough development promises to enable lithium-sulfur batteries to last longer and deliver better performance, therefore making them more suitable for consumer and industrial applications alike.

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts

Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
App store bannerPlay store banner