Decades later, the problem with lithium oxide (LINIO2) batteries may have been resolved. The degradation of repeated charges means these batteries provide higher energy density and can replace cobalt, which is expensive and sourced difficult.
Researchers at the University of Texas may have a solution.
Much of your life is powered by lithium-ion, which stores electricity from rechargeable batteries and runs devices around the world.
The first commercially available lithium-ion batteries were released in 1991 and usually contained metals such as cobalt, manganese and iron.
Research on other variants includes lithium nickel oxide (LINIO2), which provides a higher energy density, which can replace expensive and source-hard cobalt. However, Dr. Kyeongjae Cho, a professor of materials science and engineering at the University of Texas, Dallas (UTD), says commercialization is slowing due to deterioration after repeated charging.
Until now.
It was solved by UTD researchers working at university beacons (batteries and energy to advance commercialization and national security).
When a lithium-ion battery is charged, current flows through the cathode, positive electrode, fluid electrolyte to the anode and negative electrode. The anodes are usually graphite (pencil lead), which holds the lithium ions at a higher potential – since lithium ions are positive, they require energy to store them at the negative electrode. It’s like pushing a kayak upstream. When the phone is turned on, the lithium ions can be made as they return to the cathode through the electrolyte and generate electricity.
UTD researchers used computer models to analyze chemical reactions and electron movements and discovered chemical reactions containing oxygen atoms, causing cracks in LINIO2 in the cathode.
Their solution?
It creates a stronger cathode. Their model showed that aggressively charged ions can be used to create “pole” within the cathode to increase strength. In theory, at least. Doctoral student Matthew Bergschneider is the lead author of the study, using a robotics-based lab to test theories to create an enhanced Linio2 cathode prototype.
“We’re going to start with a small amount and improve the process,” says Bergschneider. “Then we will expand the synthesis of materials and produce hundreds of batteries a week at the beacon facility. All of these are stones to commercialization.”
This paper is published in Advanced Energy Materials
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