Batteries will be “pumped” to make them cheaper and better: because of what

Scientists at the East China University of Science and Technology have developed a unique strategy that improves cathode stability in lithium-ion batteries. As you know, modern lithium-ion batteries consist of four main components: cathode, electrolyte, separator and anode.

The scientists propose to improve the cathode, which will be alloyed with titanium and covered with a layer of nickel containing lithium yttrium dioxide. This dual modification will result from a sintering method that combines heat and pressure and turns everything into a solid mass.

Currently, nickel-rich layered cathodes suffer from a rapid loss of capacity due to structural and interfacial instability during extended operation (constant charge/discharge cycles), and the so-called “double modification” will solve this problem. Also, as the scientists noted, the cost of modification is inexpensive and does not greatly increase the cost of batteries.

The researchers tested their cathodes using X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy. Tests showed that the modified cathode is structurally stable and has better battery capacity retention than the conventional cathode. After 100 and 500 charge cycles, their cathodes had a capacity retention of 96.3% and 86.8%, respectively; this is an unattainable level for conventional lithium-ion batteries.

Now Chinese scientists want to test their modified cathodes under harsh conditions, and if the tests are successful, it will speed up the implementation of the researchers’ idea in commercial samples.

Previously Focus He wrote that scientists wanted to improve batteries using neural networks: how they would work.