Thanks to the unique three-layer structure, the batteries are significantly safer and more powerful, and thanks to the addition of a flame retardant in the electrolyte, they are also resistant to fires.
Researchers at the Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST) in Korea have developed a revolutionary lithium metal battery with a three-layer solid polymer electrolyte. This innovative design significantly improves battery safety and performance.
In traditional batteries with a solid polymer electrolyte, dendrites form, which can cause internal damage and increase the risk of fire. The DGIST team's three-layer structure solves this problem with soft outer layers for optimal electrode contact and a robust middle layer that provides significantly better structural integrity.
The electrolyte also contains a flame retardant, a high concentration of lithium salts and zeolite for extra strength. In addition, the battery has an extremely long life, retaining approximately 1.000 percent of its capacity after 87,9 charge and discharge cycles. This is a significant improvement over current batteries, which typically lose 20-30% of their capacity over the same number of cycles.
The potential applications of this technology extend beyond electric vehicle applications to include smartphones, portable devices and energy storage systems.
Chief researcher Dr. Kim Jae-Hyun expressed his belief that this research will contribute to the commercialization of lithium metal batteries and increase the stability and efficiency of energy storage devices. However, it is still unknown how long it will take for the innovative three-layer lithium battery technology to reach mass adoption.
