Enhancing Implantable Medical Device Batteries with Anode Modification Increases Energy by 20%

Recent advancements in battery technology have focused on increasing energy density in implantable medical devices such as pacemakers and cardiac defibrillators, where safety and longevity are paramount. Traditionally, these devices use lithium-ion batteries with graphite anodes operating at higher voltages, but their energy capacity has limitations.

A team of researchers, led by Associate Professor Eric McCalla of McGill University, has made a significant breakthrough by modifying the anode composition to boost energy storage. In their earlier work, they demonstrated that incorporating a small amount of neodymium—a rare earth element—into the anode resulted in a remarkable 20% increase in battery energy capacity.

The recent study, published in ;Chemistry of Materials;, employed the Canadian Light Source at the University of Saskatchewan to investigate why such a minor addition causes such a substantial enhancement. Using advanced in-situ techniques at the HXMA beamline, they observed that neodymium ions disrupt the atomic structure of the anode over a significant spatial range, creating new sites that facilitate easier lithium movement.

This disruption, though causing local damage, actually benefits the battery's performance by opening up pathways for lithium ions, thereby increasing the energy density. Complementary computer modeling supported these findings by illustrating how neodymium nearby makes it easier for lithium to migrate within the electrode.

Crucially, conducting experiments in situ allowed the researchers to observe the battery's behavior in real-time without disassembling the cell, which would otherwise degrade the sample. The team is now working on addressing electrolyte stability issues that could impact long-term performance. While further development is needed, this innovation paves the way for more efficient, longer-lasting implantable devices.

In collaboration with industry partner Medtronic, the team has filed patents for this technology. The improvements could enable new medical applications and extend the lifespan of implantable batteries, ultimately enhancing patient safety and device durability.

Overall, this research represents a promising step toward safer, higher-capacity batteries for vital medical implants, leveraging atomic-level modifications to achieve remarkable energy gains.

[Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-implantable-medical-device-battery-energy.html]