Scientists, in the midst of numerous battery energy storage technology in the new era, have placed high hopes on lithium batteries, and are looking to further prolong the battery of smartphones and the driving range of EVs by improving energy density. South Korean scientists have now proposed a new electrolyte solution that increases the stability of lithium batteries.

Traditional lithium-ion batteries adopt graphite and copper as cathode, but the tendency is bound to change for the purpose of extending battery capacity and producing smaller and lighter batteries. Lithium batteries transform traditional cathode into lithium, which would introduce smaller batteries with a higher energy density, though lithium batteries will also encounter dendrites that depletes batteries swiftly.

Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST) has now proposed another idea that may resolve the issue by altering the electrolytic solution and changing the transmission of ions, which prevents dendrites from growing.

The research team first added magnetic nanoparticles to the electrolytic solution, which controls the electrolytes from an external magnetic field that transforms electrolytes from static to dynamic, where the fast and even seed crystals of the lithium core would prevent dendrite growths. A conceptual battery system simulation confirms this under a stable and circulating charging rate.

According to these early studies, the team believes that the particular technology would considerably increase the durability and lifespan of lithium batteries, and could be applied on other electrolytes. Research author Professor Lee Hong-kyung commented that this is a pristine concept on electrolytes that has created a dynamic electrolyte which has never been attempted on before, where electrolytes are altered through magnetic nanoparticles, and can be instantly applied on various liquid electrolytes.

 (Cover photo source: shutterstock)