Researchers at the Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands discovered that rechargeable lithium-ion batteries can last much longer by adjusting their composition. They published their findings in the peer-reviewed science journal nature communications.
A breakthrough in battery technology could have major implications across several industries
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Over the past 30 years or so, lithium-ion batteries have become more and more essential for many of our everyday devices, from smaller smartwatches, smartphones, and laptops to electric cars, trucks, and renewable energy storage.
As demand for batteries grows, so does our need for them to perform more reliably and last longer. But, sadly, the capacity and lifespan of contemporary lithium-ion batteries tend to degrade over time, which can be a costly (and sometimes frustrating) issue for both consumers and manufacturers alike.
Doubling the lifespan of lithium-ion batteries
As stated in the intro, scientists at the Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands discovered that lithium-ion batteries can last considerably longer by altering their composition. The researchers added multiple types of salt (for example: LiTFSI, LiDFOB, and LiN).
The salts create a more controlled formation of the protective layer between the so-called electrolyte (a solvent with salts) and the anode and cathode. Typically this layer gets damaged over time by repeated charging and discharging, consuming lithium ions, effectively decreasing the battery capacity. The new composition makes that it loses fewer lithium ions during charging and discharging.
Compared to conventional single-salt electrolytes, a so-called ''low-concentration dimethyl ether electrolyte'' with four salts shows enhanced cycling stability and rate capability. It is claimed that this modification can effectively lengthen the lifespan of batteries by up to two times.
Charging and discharging reduces the lifespan of a battery over time
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The secret lies in the mix
Specific singular types of salts can, in theory, have a beneficial effect on the protective layer but are unusable as they don't dissolve well in the electrolyte. The advantage of using a mixture of different types of salt is that they can now be used: due to the 'chaos' caused by the other salts in the cocktail.
In an interview, prof.dr.ir. M Marnix Wagemaker (head of the section Storage of Electrochemical Energy at TU Delft) stated the results took the team by surprise and were, perhaps, even a bit coincidental. Nevertheless, the team made targeted choices to get where they ended up.
For their research, the scientists used commercially available lithium-ion batteries. Wagemaker thinks that their salt mixture can be applied 'quite easily' in existing production processes. A lithium-ion battery using the new salt mixture could last between 20 to 100 percent longer.
LeydenJar Technologies, a company that specializes in innovative battery technology, stated that it plans to test the new electrolyte composition. Additional battery manufacturers may also license the mixture.
The team published their findings in the peer-reviewed science journal nature communications, listed below.
Sources and further reading:
High entropy liquid electrolytes for lithium batteries (nature communications)
Why does smartphone battery life get worse and worse as it gets older? (Universal-Sci)
Mechanisms for electrochemical performance enhancement by the salt-type electrolyte additive, lithium difluoro(oxalato)borate, in high-voltage lithium-ion batteries (Journal of Power Sources)
Delftse vinding kan levensduur van accu’s in smartphones en e-auto’s verdubbelen (Volkskrant)
What is the difference between lithium and alkaline battery - (Universal-Sci)
Highly Concentrated LiTFSI–EC Electrolytes for Lithium Metal Batteries (Applied Energy Materials)
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