A study on the effects of external magnetic fields on the performance of different types of batteries has brought international recognition to a research team from Nazarbayev University. The work was published in the open-access journal Scientific Reports, which is part of the Nature publishing group.
Professor Zhumabay Bakenov, founding director of the Institute of New Materials and Energy Technologies (INMET) at NU, commented on LinkedIn:
“Congratulations to my colleagues on an excellent publication in Scientific Reports! This is an important achievement and a valuable contribution to battery materials research.”
This study explores how applying an external magnetic field can improve the performance of sodium-based batteries, including sodium–sulfur systems. These batteries are especially attractive because they rely on abundant and low-cost materials, making them a promising option for sustainable energy storage.
Unlike traditional approaches that require changing battery materials or chemistry, this method is non-invasive because it enhances battery behavior simply by applying a magnetic field during operation. The results show improved stability and moderately enhanced energy performance without altering the battery’s internal structure.
As demand for affordable and sustainable energy storage grows, sodium-based batteries are gaining attention as an alternative to lithium systems. However, their performance is often limited by issues like unstable reactions and material loss over time. This research is significant because it introduces a new, non-invasive way to improve battery behavior without changing their chemistry and offering a fresh direction beyond traditional material design strategies.
If developed further, this approach could lead to more reliable and longer-lasting batteries for large-scale energy storage, such as storing renewable energy from solar or wind. Because magnetic fields can be applied externally, this method could potentially be integrated into existing battery systems without complex redesigns, helping improve safety, efficiency, and lifespan in practical applications.
The research was carried out by NU researchers representing the School of Engineering and Digital Sciences (SEDS) and the Institute of New Materials and Energy Technologies (INMET), which focuses on the development of new materials and energy technologies: Guldana Alimbetova, Nazgul Assan, Shyngys Koishybay, Aliya Mukanova, and Zhumabay Bakenov.
Scientific Reports is an open-access journal of the Nature publishing group, covering all areas of science and engineering. It is the third most-cited journal worldwide and attracts attention from both the scientific community and the media. This publication confirms NU’s international recognition and strengthens the university’s status as a center for advanced research.
Full article title: “Electrochemical behaviour of Na-ion and Na-S batteries under external magnetic fields”.
