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Efficient lithium extraction method could transform battery supply chains

In the race to meet the growing global demand for lithium—a critical component in batteries for electric vehicles—a team of researchers from Rice University’s Elimelech lab has developed a breakthrough lithium extraction method that could reshape the industry. In their study published in Science Advances, the researchers demonstrated near-perfect lithium selectivity by repurposing solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) as membrane materials for […]

Lithium composite material enhances performance and safety of next-gen lithium rechargeable batteries

Amid the global pursuit of next-generation secondary battery solutions to replace current lithium-ion technology, Korean researchers have pioneered a lithium composite material that dramatically enhances both safety and lifespan, achieving over three times longer durability compared to existing materials. The research team, led by Dr. Do-Yeob Kim from the Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology […]

Hybrid battery design: Lithium-hydrogen system offers high energy density

A research team from the University of Science and Technology of China has introduced a new chemical battery system which utilizes hydrogen gas as the anode. Their study is published in the Angewandte Chemie International Edition. Hydrogen (H2) has gained attention as a stable and cost-effective renewable energy carrier due to its favorable electrochemical properties. However, […]

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Losing to lithium: Research shows sodium-ion batteries need breakthroughs to compete

Legions of battery engineers and their supporters have sought for years to build batteries cheaper than the dominant lithium-ion technology, hoping to capture some of lithium-ion’s $50 billion-a-year and growing market. The latest darling contender among researchers, startups, and venture capitalists—sodium-ion batteries—has received much attention after COVID-induced mineral supply chain challenges sent lithium prices on […]

Next-generation lithium–sulfur batteries: Scientists develop large-area, high-capacity prototypes

Dr. Park Jun-woo’s team at KERI’s Next Generation Battery Research Center has overcome a major obstacle to the commercialization of next-generation lithium – sulfur batteries and successfully developed large-area, high-capacity prototypes. The work is published in the journal Advanced Science. The lithium–sulfur battery, composed of sulfur as the cathode (+) and lithium metal as the anode (-), has a theoretical […]

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AI can ‘hear’ when a lithium battery is about to catch fire

Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have developed a way to use sound to detect when lithium-ion batteries are about to catch fire. The NIST team included Wai Cheong “Andy” Tam and Anthony Putorti. Lithium-ion batteries are all around us: They can be in your phone, in your laptop, in an […]

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Lithium-sulfur battery retains 80% charge capacity after 25,000 cycles

An international team of engineers and materials scientists has developed a lithium-sulfur battery capable of retaining 80% of its charge capacity after 25,000 cycles. Their paper is published in the journal Nature. To make batteries smaller and lighter, engineers continually look for new materials. Such efforts tend to focus on the electrodes where lithium is held by other […]

Ecycling batteries with citric acid: Research introduces highly efficient process for NCM lithium-ion batteries

A simple, highly efficient, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly process could provide a viable pathway for the sustainable recycling of depleted lithium-ion batteries (LIBs): No chemicals beyond citric acid need to be added to leach out and separate over 99% of the lithium, nickel, cobalt, and manganese metals contained in NCM batteries. A simple, highly efficient, […]

Saltwater flooding is a serious fire threat for EVs and other devices with lithium-ion batteries

Flooding from hurricanes Helene and Milton inflicted billions of dollars in damage across the Southeast in September and October 2024, pushing buildings off their foundations and undercutting roads and bridges. It also caused dozens of electric vehicles and other battery-powered objects, such as scooters and golf carts, to catch fire. According to one tally, 11 electric cars and […]