South Korea Successfully Develops Super Fast, Super Safe Battery Charging Method

Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are essential for modern devices such as electric vehicles, which are becoming increasingly important in people’s lives. However, the main obstacle to fully electrifying vehicles using Li-ion batteries is achieving fast charging capability without compromising energy density. Moreover, fast charging also raises safety concerns due to the lithium layer, which can lead to high cell polarization.

The research team from Chung-Ang University in Korea has developed a method to mitigate these issues by enhancing the electrolyte in the battery. By using concentrated LiPF6 (a Li-ion battery electrolyte) combined with linear carbonate, the research team aims to improve the dehydrogenation process, which is crucial for fast ion transfer to the positive electrode of the battery. The researchers particularly focus on electrolytes with low activation energy, such as dimethyl carbonate, to enhance the charging speed.

The research team demonstrates that these electrolyte modifications can significantly enhance fast charging capability while maintaining the stability of the battery. Laboratory tests on a 1.2 Ah battery cell have shown that the battery can maintain three times the power capacity over 200 cycles compared to the initial capacity, and importantly, it prevents the battery swelling phenomenon commonly associated with lithium layers.

Furthermore, the study used molecular dynamics simulations to understand the impact of different electrolyte concentrations on battery performance. This method provides valuable insights into future battery manufacturing to achieve super-fast charging capability.

Assistant professor in charge of the research, Janghyuk Moon, said: “By improving the kinetics and stability of the battery under fast charging conditions, we hope to create a significant impact on the electric vehicle industry and ultimately, people’s daily lives.”

TT (Tuoitrethudo)

Reference: Electrek