A novel experiment on the fundamental science of lithium-ion batteries has been carried out aboard China's Tiangong space station, according to the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences on Wednesday.

This experiment, conducted by the three astronauts comprising the Shenzhou-21 crew, aimed to uncover the mechanisms behind battery performance by leveraging the unique conditions of space.

Lithium-ion batteries are essential for modern space missions due to their high energy density and reliability. However, a thorough understanding of their internal behavior -- particularly how chemicals distribute within the electrolyte, which critically impacts power output and lifespan -- has been challenging to achieve under conditions on Earth, the institute explained.