Researchers believe that self-healing batteries could enhance both range and longevity, acting as the "secret ingredient."
- A European initiative is underway to develop an eco-friendly and highly efficient battery.
- Experts are said to have created a "super glue" that keeps the framework of a package intact even after it has been damaged.
- The chemistry comprises specialized cathodes and anodes along with a novel kind of electrolyte designed to safeguard them both.
There isn’t a universal approach when it comes to electric vehicle batteries. The size varies among different types of vehicles, and often so does their chemistry. However, the objectives for manufacturers stay consistent: higher energy density, quicker charging times, affordability, and enhanced safety. Yet, the methods employed continue to evolve. European battery researchers suggest that an eco-friendly "self-healing" system could be part of the answer to meet these targets.
Norwegian research organization SINTEF — also referred to as The Foundation for Industrial and Technical Research — has experimented with a battery they assert is more stable compared to conventional lithium-ion units and offers superior driving range along with extended longevity. They described this battery using the metaphor of a “sandwich,” featuring the cathode on top, the anode at the bottom, and separators plus binding agents sandwiched in between. While this structure might apply generally to batteries, what sets this particular design apart lies elsewhere.
The cathode allegedly utilizes lithium-nickel-manganese oxide, a material that is said to be free of cobalt and has lower amounts of both nickel and lithium compared to conventional electric vehicle batteries. This composition offers a greater mean voltage, potentially enhancing charging speed and overall performance. Additionally, it allows for increased energy storage within a reduced space, as stated by SINTEF researcher Nils Peter Wagner to a UK-based magazine. Tech Xplore .
On the contrary, the anode is constructed using a silicon-graphite mixture. Battery manufacturers are progressively investigating this approach. silicon anodes As they eliminate the inefficiencies associated with graphite-rich anodes, several U.S.-based battery startups like Amprius, Group14, and Sila Nanotechnologies are investigating silicon-based anodes. However, one drawback is that these silicon anodes often expand during charging and discharging processes. This issue can be addressed using a graphite composite, which provides the anode with enhanced durability and consistency.
Additionally, there is a "super glue" substance designed to fix small cell damages, similar to how a self-healing car tire works. This adhesive feature is achieved through specialized binders and separators that maintain the integrity of the battery structure. To put it simply, a binder refers to a material responsible for keeping the active components within a battery consolidated. On the other hand, separators play an important role as well. separator Stops short circuits, ensuring the cathode and anode remain separate. The development of the initial generation-one prototype electrolyte using these materials has been finished, and the emphasis is currently on advancing to second-generation cells, as reported by SINTEF.
The final phase involves determining how to introduce this technology to the market, as reports suggest efforts are being made to increase manufacturing capacity. While innovating within a laboratory setting is impressive, transforming that research into a commercially viable, large-scale product poses an entirely different set of challenges. Over recent years, we've witnessed numerous advancements in battery chemistries; however, very few have successfully transitioned from theory to actual implementation.
As stated by Bob Lee, who serves as the president and chief strategy officer of LG Energy Solution in North America, Autoline Network Podcast: "The manufacturing process is key here. The challenge lies in producing batteries at high volume and over large surfaces uniformly."
Got a tip? Reach out to the author: suvrat.kothari@insideevs.com
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