Researchers have made a breakthrough in anode-free lithium-ion batteries
A new gel electrolyte could solve one of the technology's biggest problems
This could unlock improved longevity and safety for the lithium-ion EV cells
Researchers at the Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science claim to have developed a new gel electrolyte that will help stabilize anode-free lithium-ion batteries. This should improve the safety and longevity of this emerging battery technology, while presenting a cost-saving to manufacturers.
Anode-free lithium-ion batteries have been explored for a number of years, with a South Korean research team using an anode-free lithium metal battery architecture last year to double the volumetric density of a battery, without increasing its size.
Eliminating the anode frees up more internal space, allowing an increased amount of active material to be packed into the same volume. This is like managing to squeeze more fuel into the same-sized fuel tank, according to Interesting Engineering.
The major issues facing the technology have been safety and battery longevity, as anode-free lithium-metal batteries have suffered from uneven lithium deposition during charging sessions.
This means the lithium can form sharp, needle-like structures (dubbed dendrites), which can pierce internal components and cause dangerous short circuits and thermal runaway events.
But according to Interesting Engineering, which cites research findings first published in the journal Joule, the Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science researchers found a solution to this problem in a gel electrolyte.
To get very technical for a moment, the team used a “parasitic salt-phobic polymer network in their electrolyte design”, which “selectively repels lithium ions while attracting solvent molecules”.
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