New research could dramatically boost next-gen EV battery lifespans

Researchers at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) have made a breakthrough in improving the lifespan of anode-free lithium metal batteries, which are considered a promising next-generation energy storage solution for electric vehicles, drones, and advanced systems. These batteries offer 30–50% higher energy density and simpler manufacturing compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries but have been hindered by rapid performance degradation due to interfacial instability between the electrolyte and the electrode. The KAIST team, led by Professors Jinwoo Lee and Sung Gap Im, addressed this challenge by applying an ultrathin (15 nanometers) polymer coating to the copper current collector electrode using initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD). This coating enhances battery durability by managing electrolyte interactions and promoting the formation of a stable, inorganic-rich solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), which prevents excessive electrolyte breakdown and uneven lithium plating. Unlike previous approaches focusing on electrolyte modifications, this electrode surface engineering method controls lithium-ion movement and electrolyte reactions without altering