Articles tagged with "lithium-ion"
Sulfur-modified electrolyte tackles solid-state battery limits
Researchers at Kennesaw State University, led by Assistant Professor Beibei Jiang, are developing a sulfur-modified composite solid electrolyte to enhance lithium-ion transport in solid-state batteries. These batteries replace the flammable liquid electrolytes found in conventional lithium-ion cells with solid materials, improving safety and thermal stability. However, slow lithium-ion movement through solids has limited charging speed and overall performance. Jiang’s team addresses this by incorporating sulfur-based chemical groups into a ceramic-polymer composite electrolyte, which reduces interfacial resistance and facilitates faster ion movement. This modification effectively “smooths the highway” for lithium ions, potentially enabling faster charging and better battery performance. A key discovery in their research is a previously undocumented strong interaction between sulfur and zirconium in the ceramic component, which significantly contributes to the improved ion transport. This finding emerged unexpectedly during early experiments and was harnessed to optimize the electrolyte design. The project, supported by a $200,000 National Science Foundation grant, is currently focused on validating the stability
energysolid-state-batterieselectrolytelithium-ionsulfur-modificationbattery-safetymaterials-scienceQuantumScape's Tim Holme on solid-state EV batteries finally reaching scale
The article profiles Tim Holme, co-founder and CTO of QuantumScape, and his decade-long pursuit to develop solid-state lithium-metal batteries as a transformative solution for electric vehicles (EVs). Dissatisfied with the limitations of conventional lithium-ion batteries—such as slow charging, limited lifespan, energy density, cost, and safety—Holme and his team at QuantumScape focused on creating a fundamentally different battery technology. Starting from his academic research at Stanford, where he worked on solid-state batteries and secured early ARPA-E funding, Holme transitioned from academia to entrepreneurship to accelerate development. QuantumScape’s breakthrough came with the invention of a ceramic solid electrolyte that conducts lithium ions while physically blocking electrodes, enabling safer, faster-charging, and longer-range batteries. This innovation attracted significant backing from Volkswagen and Bill Gates. Holme emphasizes that the journey to commercialize solid-state batteries involved overcoming both materials science and manufacturing challenges. Initially, the company concentrated on selecting and synthesizing the right materials to enable
energysolid-state-batterieslithium-ionelectric-vehiclesbattery-technologymaterials-scienceenergy-storageUS scientists boost batteries' lifespan, fix capacity degradation issue
Researchers from Argonne National Laboratory and the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering have identified key causes of capacity degradation and shortened lifespan in lithium-ion batteries, particularly those using nickel-rich cathode materials. Their study, published in Nature Nanotechnology, reveals that the common assumption that single-crystal Ni-rich layered oxide (SC-NMC) cathodes degrade similarly to polycrystalline Ni-rich materials (PC-NMC) is incorrect. Unlike PC-NMC, where mechanical failure is linked to volume changes causing particle cracking, SC-NMC degradation is driven by multidimensional lattice distortions caused by reaction heterogeneity and chemical phase deactivation. The research redefines the roles of cobalt and manganese in battery stability: cobalt, previously seen as detrimental in PC-NMC, is crucial in SC-NMC for mitigating localized strain and enhancing longevity, while manganese worsens mechanical degradation. This insight challenges existing design strategies and materials used in cathodes, suggesting that new materials and approaches are necessary for optimizing single-cr
energybatterieslithium-ionbattery-lifespancapacity-degradationmaterials-scienceelectric-vehiclesAlloy breakthrough speeds ion flow for next gen solid-state batteries
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, have made a significant breakthrough in solid-state battery technology by manipulating lithium aluminum alloy electrodes to enhance lithium ion transport. Their study focused on two internal phases within the alloy: the lithium-rich beta phase and the lithium-poor alpha phase. By adjusting the lithium-to-aluminum ratio, they increased the proportion of the beta phase, which provides dramatically faster lithium ion pathways—up to ten billion times quicker than the alpha phase. This phase adjustment not only accelerated ion flow but also resulted in denser, more stable electrode structures, improving the interface with solid electrolytes. In practical battery tests, electrodes enriched with the beta phase demonstrated high charge and discharge rates and maintained capacity over 2,000 cycles, addressing key durability challenges in solid-state batteries. This work is the first to directly link beta phase distribution to lithium diffusion behavior in lithium aluminum alloys, offering a new design strategy for alloy-based electrodes that combine enhanced energy storage, stability, and fast charging potential. Led
energysolid-state-batterieslithium-ionbattery-technologymaterials-sciencealloy-electrodesenergy-storageHow structural batteries work and what they mean for engineering design
Structural batteries represent an innovative approach to energy storage by integrating battery functionality directly into structural components, potentially reducing weight and improving efficiency in electric vehicles (EVs) and other machines. Unlike traditional designs where batteries and structural elements are separate—adding significant mass—structural battery composites combine mechanical strength and electrochemical energy storage in a single material. This concept, first explored in 2007 and advanced notably by researchers at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden in 2021, uses carbon fiber as the negative electrode and lithium iron phosphate-coated carbon fiber as the positive electrode. The assembly includes a separator layer and is infused with a polymer precursor and liquid electrolyte, which solidifies into a rigid composite that supports mechanical loads while enabling lithium-ion conduction. The manufacturing process involves vacuum infusion and heat curing, resulting in a dual-phase material: a solid polymer matrix for strength and a liquid electrolyte trapped in nanoscale pores for ion transport. This design achieves a balance between structural integrity and battery performance. In 2024
energymaterialsstructural-batterieslithium-ioncarbon-fiberelectric-vehiclesbattery-technologyWorld’s first fully dual-cation battery runs 1,000 stable cycles
Researchers at the University of Limerick have developed the world’s first full-cell dual-cation battery that combines lithium and sodium ions, resulting in significantly enhanced capacity and stability. This innovative battery design leverages a sodium-dominant electrolyte boosted by lithium ions, effectively “supercharging” the sodium-ion system. The hybrid approach doubles the battery’s capacity compared to typical sodium-ion batteries, while maintaining long-term stability and enabling up to 1,000 charge-discharge cycles. This advancement addresses the traditional energy density limitations of sodium-ion batteries, making the technology a greener, safer, and more cost-effective alternative to conventional lithium-ion batteries. Led by Associate Professor Hugh Geaney and Dr. Syed Abdul Ahad, the research highlights the potential for sustainable, high-performance battery chemistries that reduce reliance on expensive and environmentally problematic materials like cobalt. The team’s work, supported by Irish government fellowships and published in Nano Energy, opens new avenues for exploring other ion pairings and materials, such as
energybattery-technologylithium-ionsodium-iondual-cation-batterysustainable-energyelectric-vehiclesSolid-State Battery Breakthrough News — Hype Or Hope? - CleanTechnica
Scientists at the Chinese Academy of Sciences have developed a novel self-healing interface for solid-state lithium batteries that mimics a liquid seal by flowing to fill microscopic gaps between the anode and solid electrolyte. This innovation eliminates the need for heavy external pressure and bulky equipment traditionally required to maintain tight contact within the battery. The key mechanism involves the controlled migration of iodide ions under an electric field, which form an iodine-rich layer attracting lithium ions to fill pores at the interface, thereby enhancing stability and performance. This approach simplifies manufacturing, reduces material use without increasing costs, and enables batteries to achieve specific energies exceeding 500 watt-hours per kilogram—potentially doubling device battery life. While the prototype has shown promising stability and exceptional performance over hundreds of charge/discharge cycles in laboratory tests, the technology remains at an early stage, with significant challenges ahead before commercial viability. Real-world testing under varying temperatures, fast charging, and long-term use is necessary to confirm safety and durability, especially given past costly failures like the
energysolid-state-batterieslithium-ionbattery-technologyenergy-storagematerials-sciencebattery-innovationWhy mass production is the final barrier for solid state batteries
Solid-state batteries hold significant promise for electric vehicles (EVs) by offering higher energy density, faster charging, and improved safety compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion technology, which currently powers most EVs and consumer electronics, is nearing its energy density limits—around 260 Wh/kg—necessitating heavier battery packs for longer ranges and requiring cooling systems to prevent thermal runaway. In contrast, solid-state batteries replace the liquid electrolyte with solid materials such as ceramics or polymers, enabling denser electrodes and potentially exceeding 400 Wh/kg energy density with lithium metal anodes. However, this architecture introduces challenges like high interfacial resistance, mechanical stress during cycling, and dendrite formation, which can cause short circuits. Unlike liquid electrolytes that self-heal electrode gaps, solid electrolytes require precise manufacturing techniques to maintain stable interfaces. The main barrier to widespread adoption of solid-state batteries is scaling up manufacturing to automotive levels. Researchers Mihri Ozkan and Cengiz Ozkan from the University of California
energysolid-state-batterieslithium-ionbattery-manufacturingelectric-vehiclesenergy-densitybattery-technologyNatron’s liquidation shows why the US isn’t ready to make its own batteries
The recent liquidation of sodium-ion battery startup Natron underscores the significant challenges the U.S. faces in establishing a domestic battery manufacturing industry. Despite having $25 million in orders for its Michigan factory, Natron was unable to deliver products without UL certification—a process that can take several months. Investor reluctance to provide additional funding amid this delay led to a cash crunch, and attempts by the primary shareholder to sell the company stake failed. Consequently, Natron is undergoing liquidation through an “assignment for the benefit of creditors,” a process aimed at a swift asset sale outside of court. This case exemplifies the difficulties startups encounter in scaling battery production without consistent industrial policies and long-term investor commitment, as battery manufacturing typically requires a decade or more to mature. Natron’s struggles are part of a broader pattern of failures among Western battery manufacturers attempting to compete with established Asian supply chains and expertise. The sodium-ion technology, while potentially cheaper due to sodium’s abundance, has been undermined by a lithium price war in
energybatteriessodium-ionbattery-manufacturingsupply-chainlithium-ionenergy-storageUS lab prescribes 'medicines' for EV batteries for longer-lasting power
Scientists at Argonne National Laboratory have developed a machine learning model to identify chemical additives that enhance the performance and longevity of high-voltage lithium-ion batteries, specifically LNMO (lithium, nickel, manganese, oxygen) batteries. These batteries offer higher energy capacity and avoid cobalt, a material with supply chain challenges, but operate at nearly 5 volts—exceeding the stability limit of most electrolytes and causing decomposition issues. To mitigate this, electrolyte additives are used to form a stable interface on electrodes, reducing resistance and degradation. Traditionally, finding effective additives is a slow process, but the Argonne team trained their model on a small dataset of 28 additives and accurately predicted the performance of 125 new combinations, significantly accelerating discovery. The key innovation lies in the model’s ability to link the chemical structure of additives to their impact on battery metrics such as resistance and energy capacity, enabling rapid screening of candidates without extensive experimental trials. This approach demonstrates that a well-chosen, small dataset can train
energybatteriesmachine-learningelectrolyte-additiveslithium-ionbattery-technologyArgonne-National-LaboratoryEnergy Storage Breakthroughs Enable a Strong & Secure Energy Landscape - CleanTechnica
The article highlights significant advancements in energy storage technologies led by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory, emphasizing their role in creating a resilient, secure, and domestically supported energy landscape. Argonne is pioneering breakthroughs across the entire energy storage lifecycle—from discovering alternatives to critical, scarce materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel, to developing new battery chemistries such as sodium-ion and water-based batteries, and improving end-of-life recycling processes. These innovations aim to reduce reliance on foreign supply chains, enhance grid reliability, and support American manufacturing competitiveness. Argonne’s contributions include the development of the nickel-manganese-cobalt oxide (NMC) cathode widely used in electric vehicles and the integration of artificial intelligence to accelerate materials discovery and optimize battery performance. The laboratory’s approach combines fundamental science with practical applications to ensure future energy storage solutions are safe, efficient, long-lasting, and domestically produced. Additionally, Argonne leads collaborative efforts like the Energy Storage Research Alliance (ESRA
energy-storagebatterieslithium-ionsodium-ion-batteriesenergy-supply-chainArgonne-National-Laboratoryenergy-innovationUltra-fast charging EVs: New anodes deliver long-lasting batteries
Researchers at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin have developed innovative anode materials for lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries that enable ultra-fast charging, enhanced stability, and long service life. Contrary to traditional battery materials that rely on highly ordered crystal structures, the team demonstrated that introducing targeted atomic disorder improves ionic conductivity and cycling stability. This approach, detailed in studies published in Nature Communications and Advanced Materials, involves creating structural disorder in niobium-tungsten oxides and controlled amorphisation in iron niobate, resulting in batteries that retain a large portion of their capacity even after thousands of charge cycles. Specifically, the new lithium-ion battery anodes maintain high performance beyond 1,000 cycles, while the sodium-ion anodes—offering a more environmentally friendly alternative—show exceptional durability with over 2,600 cycles and nearly unchanged capacity. The sodium-ion anode features an amorphous phase with short-range ordered zigzag-chain structures that facilitate efficient ion storage and diffusion. This breakthrough challenges conventional
energybatterieslithium-ionsodium-ionmaterials-scienceanodesenergy-storageBiology-inspired solid-state battery boosts EV range to 500 miles
Researchers at Georgia Tech have developed a novel solid-state battery that blends lithium with soft sodium metal, significantly reducing the high pressure typically required for solid-state battery operation. This breakthrough addresses a major limitation of solid-state batteries, which usually need heavy and bulky metal plates to maintain pressure, making them impractical for widespread use. By incorporating sodium, which is electrochemically inactive but very soft, the battery maintains better contact with the solid electrolyte under lower pressure, enhancing performance and potentially enabling lighter, longer-lasting batteries. The team drew inspiration from biology, specifically the concept of morphogenesis, to explain how the sodium-lithium combination adapts structurally during battery use. This biological analogy helped them understand the deformable nature of sodium within the battery, which adjusts to changes and improves stability. Funded partly by DARPA, the research promises significant advancements, including electric vehicles capable of traveling 500 miles on a single charge and longer-lasting phone batteries. While commercialization challenges remain, this innovation could mark a major leap forward in battery technology by making solid-state batteries more competitive with current lithium-ion standards.
energysolid-state-batterylithium-ionsodium-lithium-batteryelectric-vehiclesbattery-technologymaterials-science