Researchers from South Korea’s Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST) have developed a revolutionary EV battery that holds an 87% power lithium-ion battery.
This new battery design offers incredible safety and performance, holding 87% of its power after 1,000 charge cycles.
This new battery could revolutionize electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems, offering fire resistance and improved longevity. The research findings were published in the journal Small.
The big innovation behind this new battery is the triple-layer solid polymer electrolyte. Regular lithium-ion batteries use liquid electrolytes, which can catch fire or explode when problems arise.
This new battery design solves those problems using a solid electrolyte with three layers, making it safer and longer-lasting.
“This research is anticipated to make a significant contribution to the commercialization of lithium metal batteries using [solid polymer] electrolytes while providing enhanced stability and efficiency [to] energy storage devices,” said Kim in the press release.
The middle layer of the battery is made from zeolite. This layer adds strength and prevents the formation of dendrites, tiny tree-like structures that can grow in batteries during charging.
Dendrites can cause the battery to fail and even start fires. The two outer layers are softer, which helps improve the battery’s performance and ensures that lithium ions can move easily inside.
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The main concern with lithium-ion batteries has always been their risk of catching fire. But this new battery is different. The outer layers of the solid polymer electrolyte include a chemical called decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE). This chemical can stop fires from spreading, and even put them out if they start. This makes the battery much safer, especially in devices like electric vehicles, where overheating can be a major risk.
DBDPE is crucial for making the battery self-extinguishing in the event of a fire. This feature could greatly reduce the number of accidents caused by battery fires in various industries, especially in EVs and large energy storage systems.
Aside from being fire-resistant, the new battery is also more durable than traditional lithium-ion batteries. After 1,000 charge cycles, the battery retains 87.9% of its original capacity.
In comparison, a regular lithium-ion battery typically drops to around 70-80% of its original performance after the same number of cycles. This means the new battery will last much longer, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Line Graph Showing Battery Capacity Retention Over 1000 Charge Cycles
Traditional battery: Starts at 100% and retains 70-80% after 1000 cycles (represented by a shaded area to show the range).
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The durability of the battery is important because it makes it more cost-effective in the long run. With fewer replacements needed, the battery could also lower the environmental impact associated with battery waste.
The success of this new battery is its innovative triple-layer design. The middle layer, made from zeolite, ensures that the battery is strong and resistant to damage. The outer layers are soft, which improves the efficiency of the battery by allowing the lithium ions to move more freely inside.
The zeolite battery uses a high concentration of lithium bis(trifluoromethane sulfonyl) imide (LiTFSI). This material helps lithium ions move more quickly inside the battery, improving its performance and preventing dendrite formation. This also reduces the risk of battery failure, making the battery safer and more reliable.
While electric vehicles are the most obvious application for this new fireproof battery, the technology can also be used in many other fields. The battery’s longer lifespan and fire resistance make it a great fit for energy storage systems, especially those used with renewable energy sources like solar or wind power. These storage systems need batteries that can last a long time and are safe to use, and this new battery could meet those needs.
The battery could also be used in other devices, like smartphones, wearables, and other consumer electronics. Its ability to maintain a high level of efficiency for a long time means that devices powered by this battery could last longer without needing to be replaced or recharged as often.
