Summary
- Chemists have developed a new gel to make lithium-ion batteries safer and improve performance
- Gel prevents leak of flammable electrolyte fluid, remains stable at over 5V
- Long-term studies are needed before batteries can be produced on industrial scale
- Gel design integrates ionic scaffolding into polymer’s molecular chains
- Research funded by European Commission, part of BAT4EVER project, to be continued at European Center for Just Transition Research and Impact-Driven Transfer
Article
Chemists at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU) have developed a new type of gel that could improve the safety and performance of lithium-ion batteries. The gel is designed to prevent the flammable electrolyte fluid from leaking and can also enhance battery performance and service life. Initial lab studies have shown that the gel electrolytes remain stable at over 5 V, which is higher than the critical 3.6 V stability limit for conventional lithium-ion cells. The researchers have also designed the gels to be recyclable, making them a more sustainable option for battery production.
The polymer-based gel electrolytes developed by the MLU chemists can be filled into the battery cell, binding the electrolyte while still allowing ions to circulate freely between the electrodes. The gel has a gel-like consistency that combines the high conductivity of liquids with the thermal stability and robustness of polymers. In conventional lithium-ion batteries, the liquid electrolytes form a stabilizing layer on the electrodes when the battery is first charged. This layer is essential for the performance and longevity of the battery, but a new design was needed for gel electrolytes. The researchers have integrated an ionic scaffolding into the polymer’s molecular chains to address this challenge.
Although the initial results of the research are promising, extensive long-term studies are still necessary before the gel electrolytes can be used in lithium batteries on an industrial scale. The researchers emphasize the importance of conducting further research to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the new technology. The research was conducted as part of the BAT4EVER project, funded by the European Commission through the Horizon 2020 program. The project involved collaboration with universities, research centers, and industrial partners from several European countries, indicating a strong commitment to advancing battery technology in the region.
The potential impact of the new gel electrolytes extends beyond just improving battery safety and performance. By developing a more stable and robust electrolyte solution, the researchers are contributing to the ongoing efforts to enhance the sustainability of lithium-ion batteries. The recyclable nature of the gels further enhances their environmental profile, aligning with the growing focus on eco-friendly energy storage solutions. The integration of an ionic scaffolding into the polymer’s molecular chains represents a significant advancement in battery technology, paving the way for more efficient and reliable energy storage systems.
Moving forward, the researchers plan to continue their work on the gel electrolytes as part of the European Center for Just Transition Research and Impact-Driven Transfer. This initiative aims to expand on the research conducted in the BAT4EVER project and further develop the technology for commercial applications. With a collaborative approach involving multiple stakeholders from academia, industry, and research institutions across Europe, the potential for widespread adoption of the new gel electrolytes in lithium-ion batteries appears promising. By leveraging the expertise and resources available through such partnerships, the researchers hope to accelerate the development and deployment of safer and more efficient energy storage solutions for various applications.
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