South Korean researchers from Pohang University of Science and Technology and Sogan University have created a new battery technology that has significantly higher energy density and longer service life than current counterparts. About this informs NotebookCheck.
The basis of the development was the structure of “interconnected electrode-electrolyte” (IEE), where parts of the electrode and electrolyte are interconnected at the molecular level. This approach avoids the degradation that usually occurs in traditional lithium-ion batteries during repeated charge and discharge cycles.
During laboratory tests, prototypes with the IEE structure demonstrated a gravimetric energy density of 403.7 Wh/kg and a volumetric energy density of 1300 Wh/l. In comparison, the Tesla 4680 battery provides only 241 Wh/kg and 643 Wh/l.
An important advantage of this technology is its compatibility with silicon anodes. Silicon can hold ten times more lithium than graphite, but during charging, its volume changes significantly, which reduces the battery life. The solid compound in the IEE structure stabilizes the anode and reduces mechanical stress, which makes the use of silicon practically possible.
Despite the high efficiency, the technology is currently only at the stage of laboratory research. Its scaling requires new methods of processing materials, which complicates the transition to industrial production. It is expected that several years of additional development will be needed to prepare it for mass production. If successfully commercialized, this technology could significantly improve the performance of batteries for electric vehicles, smartphones, laptops, and energy storage systems.
