A new scientific breakthrough to extend the lifespan of lithium batteries

A new scientific breakthrough to extend the lifespan ofLithium batteries

In a worldelectric carsthat rely on batteries instead of fossil fuels, the lifespan of the battery is considered crucial in determining the quality of the product. By lifespan here, we mean the number of charging cycles that the battery can go through before its performance decreases clearly, and lithium-ion batteries may have formed the magic solution for the automobile industry and electric transportation in the past two decades.

Despite the great advantages of lithium-ion batteries, the technical limits of these batteries – in terms of storage capacity – and other challenges have recently shifted the focus to finding more reliable alternatives to conventional lithium-ion batteries, or at least developing these batteries to overcome their current technical limits. One of the most prominent options currently offered in the scientific arena is dual-ion batteries (DIBs).

What are dual-ion batteries?

Dual-ion batteries use both positive lithium ions (cations) and negative ions (anions) simultaneously, which provides a high energy density similar to traditional batteries. This allows a large amount of energy to be stored, but this new type of battery faces a difficult obstacle in the form of larger anions, which cause the graphite electrode to expand and contract during charging and discharging processes. Which may affect the durability of the battery.

In a new scientific breakthrough, a South Korean research team of chemists and chemical engineers addressed the problems of the durability of dual-ion batteries, through an innovative method that uses a new polymer binder, a material used to improve the bond between particles and the material used in coating the electrode.

This polymeric binding material plays a crucial role in preserving various chemicals inside rechargeable batteries. In the study in question, the research team presented a new polymeric linker that includes azide chemical groups (N₃^–) and acrylate groups. (C₃H₃O₂).

Unique properties of the new binding material

Azide groups are characterized by forming a strong covalent bond with graphite, through a chemical reaction accelerated using ultraviolet radiation. This ensures the integrity of the graphite structure as it expands and contracts. At the same time, the acrylate groups facilitate the re-bonding process between the graphite and the polymeric binder.

Experimental results showed that dual-ion batteries equipped with newly developed bonding materials maintained exceptional performance, even after completing more than 3,500 charging cycles. These batteries also demonstrated fast charging capabilities, as they were able to recover about 88% of their original capacity within just two minutes.

The professor participating in the research, Sujin Park, explained that dual-ion batteries are not only cost-effective, but will depend on the Earth’s abundant graphite resources, and perhaps this new research will stimulate further research and development in dual-ion battery technology.