Engineers at Monash University have developed an ultra-fast charging lithium-sulfur (Li-S) battery that could change the future of electric vehicles (EVs), drones, and even electric planes.
These batteries have double the energy density of conventional lithium-ion batteries, making them lighter, cheaper, and more powerful.
The breakthrough, published in Advanced Energy Materials, solves a key issue that previously held back Li-S batteries: their slow charging speed.
After 10 years of research, the team has created a battery that charges quickly and can handle heavy-duty use, making it a practical option for industries like aviation and maritime, where lightweight and high-performance batteries are crucial.
The team, led by Ph.D. candidate Maleesha Nishshanke and Dr. Petar Jovanović, found inspiration in an unlikely place—the chemistry of betadine, a common antiseptic.
This helped them develop a method to speed up the charge and discharge processes, allowing the battery to perform better without breaking down.
Dr. Jovanović explained the potential impact: “Imagine an electric vehicle traveling 1,000 kilometers on a single charge or a smartphone that charges in just minutes.
This could soon become a reality.” For electric cars, this means trips from Melbourne to Sydney on one charge, with recharge times reduced to just a few hours.
The Li-S battery’s advanced design also solves a major problem: traditional Li-S batteries tend to degrade quickly.
Thanks to a new catalyst, the Monash team’s battery can handle rapid charging and large power demands without losing performance.
The batteries are safer, store more energy, and use greener materials compared to lithium-ion batteries, which rely on environmentally harmful resources like cobalt.
These new batteries could achieve energy densities of up to 400 Wh/kg, making them perfect for dynamic uses like aviation. For instance, they could provide the rapid bursts of power needed for takeoff and then efficiently switch to lower energy use during cruising.
Professor Mainak Majumder, a lead researcher, emphasized the potential economic and environmental benefits: “This innovation not only advances battery technology but also positions Australia to lead in a growing industry.
As demand for high-performance batteries increases, this work could drive job creation and economic growth.”
The team is already working on further improvements, including new additives to make charging and discharging even faster and methods to reduce the amount of lithium needed.
With the global lithium-sulfur battery market projected to grow significantly, Monash University’s innovation could help power a greener and more efficient future.
