According to Advanced Sciencele Basic Principle of a new system developed by South Korean researchers is an in situ structure of “electrodes and nested” electrolytes (IEE), in which the components of the electrode and the electrolyte are glued together permanently. Unlike conventional layers lithium-ion cells, this narrow interlock prevents structural weakening due to load cycles.
Very efficient batteries during the first tests
During laboratory tests, the prototype cells developed using an IEE structure reached a gravimetric energy density of 403.7 WH/kg and a volumetric density of 1,300 Wh/L. These values are significantly higher than those of current standard batteries. These values are significantly higher than those of current series batteries such as Tesla’s 4680 cell (241 Wh/Kg, 643 Wh/L).
Adaptation to silicon anodes
One of the main advantages of the IEE structure is that it is suitable for silicon anodes. In theory, silicon can store about ten times more lithium ions than graphite, but it undergoes significant variations in volume during load, which has strongly limited its lifespan so far. The solid bond in the design of the IEE stabilizes the anode and absorbs these constraints, which could make the use of silicon more practical as an active material.
Laboratory technology
Despite its high performance, technology is still limited to the laboratory scale. Manufacturing requires new material manufacturing processes, which makes the transfer to the complex and expensive industrial production lines. Several years of development will therefore probably be necessary before commercial use is possible.
A huge potential for battery technology
However, if EEI technology is generalized, it could considerably increase the energy content and the lifespan of batteries. This would have considerable implications not only for electric vehicles, but also for smartphones, laptops and fixed storage devices, in particular at a time when manufacturers are increasingly looking to improve autonomy, load cycles and sustainability.
