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| Three-dimensional cross linked polymer sponge applied on anode Credit: Nature Energy |
Researchers with spongy scheme open doors for future Li- metal batteries
Researchers at Penn State Institutes of Energy and
Environment affirms that long lasting batteries, with fast charge and safe
Li-metal may be possible according to the research published dated 12th
Nov. in Nature Energy.
“This project aims to develop the next generation of metal
batteries”, says Professor Donghai Wang about the project. “Lithium metal has
been tried in batteries for decades, but there are some vital issues that constrains
their advancements.”
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| Dendrite growth on Li-metal upon charging |
Principal concern pertaining Li-metal batteries, is the
growth of dendrites – needles like creation – on metal surface under strains of
fast charging. This weakens cycle life of battery and also accounts for faster
battery drain. It can also result in fires and explosion, compromising safety
of user.
Researchers using new method, developed a three dimensional
cross-linked polymer sponge that is capable of sticking to metal plating of
anode in battery. The material acting as porous sponge, not only endorses ion
transfer but also impedes deterioration of battery.
“Our approach was to use a polymer on the interface of
Lithium metal. This allowed the metal free of dendrites, even at low temperature
and fast charge conditions” explains Wang about the new method.
This research was product
of efforts made by investigators from different disciplines belonging to Penn
State Institute of Energy and Environment or IEE and Battery Energy and Storage
Technology or BEST Centre as next gen batteries is an important aspect of their
mission.
“The collaboration in this cohort really helped us helped us
drive this paper forward” indicates Wang. “It allowed us to examine the
different aspects of this problem from material science, chemical engineering, chemistry
and mechanical engineering.”
The Department of Material Science and Engineering group
headed by Long Quin Chen, led a modeling work to comprehend the working and improvement
in working of Li-metal anodes. In practical, this work can result in more
powerful and stable metal batteries with improved battery life for everyday
usage, according to researchers.
“In an electric vehicle, it could increase the range of a drive
before needing a charge by hundreds of miles. It could also give smartphone an additional
battery life.” Says Wang.
Talking about the future of newly researched tech, the team
will put this into practical applications in a large-format battery cell,
exploring its advantages and viability. “We want to push these technologies
forward. With this work, I’m positive new can double the life cycles of these
Li-metal batteries” share Wang.
Citations: Guoxing Li et
al, Stable metal battery anodes enabled by polyethylenimine sponge hosts by
way of electrokinetic effects, Nature Energy (2018). DOI: 10.1038/s41560-018-0276-z
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