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Innovative Electrolytes for Next-Generation Lithium Batteries
The type of lithium-ion batteries that are used in devices today can typically last for around 1,000 recharge cycles. These batteries are developed utilizing a lithium cobalt oxide cathode and a graphite anode. The electrolyte comes with a 1 M solution of lithium salts in flammable organic solvents. Their energy density maxes out at 200–250 Watt-hours per kilogram. Today, the U.S. Department of Energy wanted to double the current energy density of batteries to 500 Wh/kg. The innovation could create a breakthrough with compact batteries for wearables or cars, making these devices work much longer on a single charge. Designing the ion conductors with innovative technology can accelerate high-energy lithium battery developments and other energy storage devices such as fuel cells.
The core of this innovative solution is based on understanding the mode in which vibrations pass via the crystal lattice of lithium ion conductors and correlate with inhibition methods. This not only provides a way to discover new materials with enhanced ion mobility, but it could also allow rapid charging and discharge of the batteries. Meanwhile, the method can be used to reduce the material’s reactivity with the battery’s electrodes, which can shorten its useful life. These two characteristics that include the better ion mobility, as well as low reactivity, tend to be mutually exclusive.
Researchers explored lithium metal anodes back in the 1970s. But loose, uneven metal deposits on the anode create spiky dendrites that can reach the cathode and short-circuit the battery, sometimes igniting the flammable electrolyte. Moreover, these metal anodes could react with the battery electrolytes, which could lead to consuming them as well as cutting battery life short.
This breakthrough also enables lithium batteries to run at temperatures as low as -60 degrees Celsius with excellent performance. At the same time, today’s lithium-ion batteries stop working at -20 degrees Celsius. In addition to the performance enhancements, the batteries are made capable enough to run under extreme low-temperature conditions. The technology enables not only radical low-temperature operation but also maintains high performance at room temperature. At the same time, advanced electrolyte chemistry enhances energy density, and also promises better safety.
Both the electrochemical capacitors and batteries developed by the researchers are especially cold-hardy as the electrolytes are made from liquefied gas solvents. This unique combination makes it far more resistant to freezing than standard liquid electrolytes. These electrolytes are developed using liquefied fluoromethane gas, while the electrochemical capacitor electrolyte is from liquefied difluoromethane gas.
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