Possible new generation batteries with a new approach to engineering

According to Penn Research, recently published in Nature Energy Lithium metal batteries can be considerably more durable, load faster and safer.

Researchers have developed a three-dimensional crosslinked polymeric sponge that attaches to the metal plating of a cell anode.

"This project aims to develop the next generation of metal batteries," said Donghai Wang, professor of mechanical engineering and the project's principal investigator. "Lithium metal has been used in batteries for decades, but fundamental problems prevent their progression."

Under additional constraints, such as in the desired fast charging methods in electric vehicles, lithium ion (Li) batteries are vulnerable. dendritic growth – needle shaped formations that can reduce cycle life and potentially pose safety concerns – including fires or explosions.

"Our approach was to use a polymer at the Li metal interface," Wang said. The material acts as a porous sponge that not only promotes ion transfer, but also prevents deterioration.

"This allowed the metal plating to be free of dendrites, even at low temperatures and under fast charging conditions," he said. Wang, an affiliate faculty member of the Penn State's Institutes of Energy and Environment, is also part of the Battery Technology and Storage Technology Center, a leading research institute in the field of storage and storage. # 39; energy.

An essential element of both IEE and BEST The mission of the center, this project has brought together researchers from different disciplines of the university.

"The collaboration within this cohort really helped to move this document forward," said Wang. "This allowed us to examine the different aspects of this problem, from the point of view of materials science, chemical engineering, chemistry and mechanical engineering."

In this collaborative work, the Long-Qing Chen group of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering led modeling work to understand the improvement of Li's metal anodes.

According to researchers, the practical applications of this work could lead to the development of more powerful and stable metal battery technologies, an integral part of everyday life.

increase the autonomy of a reader before needing a charge of several hundred kilometers, "said Wang." This could also extend the life of the battery smart phones. "

Looking into the future, the team will study the practical applications of a large-format battery cell to demonstrate its benefits and feasibility.

Wang said "We want to advance these technologies. With this work, I am convinced that we can double the life cycle of these Li metal batteries. "

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Pennsylvania State University