Researchers at the Department of Energy’s SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory and Stanford University claim to have found a way to “revive” lithium-ion batteries, potentially extending their useful life. almost 30%.
Research shows a new way to slow down battery degradation. As lithium-ion batteries increase charge/discharge cycles, they accumulate lithium “islands” that are cut away from the electrodes and thus do not contribute to energy storage, the researchers explain. study explained in a study published December 22 in the journal nature.
The researchers discovered that these lithium bits could be moved back to the electrodes, re-establishing the electrical connection and allowing that lithium to continue.
Battery production at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Hedelfingen, Germany
In a test cell with a lithium-nickel-manganese-cobalt oxide (NMC) cathode and a lithium anode, the isolated lithium migrates according to the battery cycle, according to the study. When charging the battery, the lithium moves towards the cathode. When discharging, it moves towards the anode. With enough movement, it will eventually hit the anode and reconnect.
Fang Liu adds a high-current discharge step to the charging protocol that achieves the required motion. That points to a way to extend battery life by modifying the charging protocol, and also has implications for the development of lithium-metal batteries, she said.
However, promising lab research doesn’t necessarily translate to the real world. For example, any battery company adopting such a strategy would of course have to demonstrate that it does not increase the risk of battery fire.
GM Ultium battery – cell stacking
Will reattaching lithium “islands” prove to be a possible solution, battery depletion getting more attention as the production of electric vehicles soars.
In 2021, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) proposes recession limit that would require all battery-powered vehicles 2026 or later sold in the state to be designed to maintain 80% of their certified range for 15 years or 150,000 miles.
Automakers are also starting to set their own sustainability goals. Toyota is aiming for the target 10% recession in 10 years, while Rivian is providing a particularly good warranty against recession.
