Uncovering the Root Cause of Short-Circuiting in Lithium-Metal Batteries
Researchers from Stanford University and the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory have identified the cause of short circuits in lithium-metal batteries, which could revolutionize battery production.
The problem has been identified as small "nanoscopic" cracks in the ceramic solid electrolyte that occur during fast charging, allowing a lithium-metal "bridge" to form and cause a short circuit.
These findings are significant, as lithium-metal batteries have high capacity, low density, and are non-flammable, making them ideal for use in electric vehicles and other green technology.
The researchers combined an electric probe and an electrolyte to create a miniature battery to understand why lithium burrowed into certain areas and caused a short circuit.
Even small stresses such as indenting, bending, or twisting of the batteries, or impurities introduced during manufacturing can generate enough stress to cause failure.
However, this discovery is not a death knell for lithium metal's future, and engineers can use these findings to circumvent these shortcomings.
The paper's authors mention that they are investigating ways to strengthen the electrolyte during manufacturing, as well as develop ways to coat the ceramic barrier so that it self-repairs damage when it occurs.
The same Stanford lab previously developed a method for lithium-metal batteries to retain 85% charge after 160 cycles, a major improvement compared to the previously reported 30%.
With these breakthroughs, the overall question of lithium metal's future is looking less like "if" and more like "when."
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