A team of researchers in South Korea has developed a new material that could revolutionize rechargeable batteries.
This lithium composite material dramatically improves both the safety and lifespan of batteries, lasting more than three times longer than current options.
The research, led by Dr. Do-Yeob Kim at the Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), addresses a major challenge in battery technology: the uncontrolled growth of lithium dendrites.
These tiny, needle-like structures form on the battery’s surface and can cause efficiency loss, safety issues, and even short circuits or explosions.
The study, published in Advanced Functional Materials, introduces a novel lithium composite that stabilizes lithium growth. This breakthrough could pave the way for safer and more powerful next-generation batteries, such as lithium-metal, lithium-sulfur, and lithium-air batteries.
Today’s lithium-ion batteries typically use graphite as the main material in their anodes. Graphite is affordable and safe but has a lower energy capacity.
Lithium metal, on the other hand, has a much higher energy density, making it an ideal alternative for future batteries.
However, lithium-metal batteries accumulate lithium directly on the metal surface, creating dendrites. These dendrites reduce performance and can lead to safety risks.
Dr. Kim’s team created the lithium composite material by blending lithium with a special electrolyte material (Al-doped Li7La3Zr2O12, or Al-LLZO). Unlike traditional methods that require high heat, this innovative process uses a simpler blending technique.
The result is a material that promotes even lithium growth and improves the movement of ions within the battery.
Tests showed that this composite significantly reduced dendrite formation, making the batteries safer. It also extended battery life to over 250 charge-discharge cycles without losing much capacity, more than tripling the lifespan compared to conventional materials.
Additionally, the batteries could charge 20% faster under certain conditions.
This new material is already being tested in lithium-metal and lithium-sulfur batteries, with promising results for scaling up to larger battery formats, such as those used in electric vehicles or energy storage systems.
Dr. Kim’s team believes their innovation will play a key role in developing safer, longer-lasting, and more efficient batteries, providing a cleaner and more reliable energy source for the future.
This breakthrough could help meet the growing demand for sustainable, high-performance battery technologies worldwide.
Source: KSR.
