Scientists improve lithium batteries with breakthrough gel electrolyte

Researchers at Columbia University have developed a novel gel electrolyte for anode-free lithium-ion batteries that significantly enhances their safety and lifespan. By reengineering the nanoscale interactions between polymer electrolytes and lithium ions, the team created a parasitic salt-phobic polymer network that selectively repels lithium ions while attracting solvent molecules. This design leads to nanoscale phase separation within the electrolyte, promoting the formation of a thin, inorganic-rich protective layer on the lithium surface. This layer facilitates smoother, denser lithium deposition and suppresses parasitic reactions that typically degrade battery performance, addressing key challenges such as unstable lithium plating and electrode-electrolyte interface reactions. Laboratory tests demonstrated that batteries using this gel electrolyte retained over 80% of their capacity under near-real-world conditions and exhibited enhanced thermal stability. Notably, multilayer pouch cells with the gel electrolyte resisted thermal runaway during abuse tests like drilling, unlike conventional liquid electrolyte batteries that ignited or exploded. The research highlights that engineering the nanoscale environment of electrolytes