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LiFePO4 vs Li-Ion Battery – Differences Between LiFePO4 and Li-Ion Batteries

Li-ion-Vs-Lifepo4

In the realm of energy storage, lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries have long dominated the market. However, in recent years, another contender has emerged – Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries. Both offer unique advantages and disadvantages, sparking debates among consumers, researchers, and industry experts. Before we dive into the comparison, let’s understand the fundamental differences between LiFePO4 and Li-ion batteries.

Li-ion Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are widely used in various applications, ranging from smartphones to electric vehicles. They typically consist of a lithium-cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) cathode, a graphite anode, and an electrolyte solution. Li-ion batteries are known for their high energy density, lightweight design, and relatively low self-discharge rate.

 

LiFePO4 Batteries

On the other hand, Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries utilize a cathode made of iron phosphate (LiFePO4). This chemistry offers enhanced thermal and chemical stability compared to traditional Li-ion batteries. LiFePO4 batteries are renowned for their longevity, safety, and tolerance to high temperatures. Although they have a lower energy density compared to Li-ion batteries, they excel in terms of cycle life and safety.Deep Cycle 12V 150Ah LiFePO4 Batteries

 

Now, let’s compare LiFePO4 and Li-ion batteries across various parameters:

Energy Density

Li-ion batteries typically boast higher energy density compared to LiFePO4 batteries. This means they can store more energy per unit volume or weight. As a result, Li-ion batteries are favored in applications where compactness and lightweight design are crucial, such as smartphones and laptops.

Cycle Life

One of the key advantages of LiFePO4 batteries is their exceptional cycle life. They can endure a significantly higher number of charge-discharge cycles compared to Li-ion batteries. This makes them an ideal choice for long-term applications, including solar energy storage and electric vehicles.

Himax - LiFePO4-Batteries

Safety

Safety is a paramount concern in battery technology. LiFePO4 batteries have a stellar safety record due to their stable chemistry and resistance to thermal runaway. On the other hand, Li-ion batteries, particularly those with cobalt-based cathodes, are prone to overheating and potential thermal runaway under certain conditions.

Cost

Li-ion batteries have been mass-produced for decades, resulting in economies of scale that have driven down their cost considerably. LiFePO4 batteries, while becoming more competitive, still tend to be slightly more expensive due to the cost of raw materials and manufacturing processes.

Environmental Impact

From an environmental perspective, both LiFePO4 and Li-ion batteries have their pros and cons. LiFePO4 batteries contain no toxic heavy metals such as cobalt, which alleviates concerns regarding resource depletion and environmental pollution associated with cobalt mining. However, the extraction and processing of lithium and iron ores still pose environmental challenges. Additionally, both types of batteries require proper recycling methods to mitigate their environmental footprint.

12 volt lithium trolling motor battery
The choice between LiFePO4 and Li-ion batteries often depends on the specific requirements of the application:

  • Li-ion batteries are preferred in portable electronics, electric vehicles, and grid-scale energy storage systems where energy density and compactness are crucial.
  • LiFePO4 batteries find applications in stationary energy storage, renewable energy systems, and industries where safety and longevity are paramount considerations.

Li-ion-Vs-Lifepo4

In conclusion, both LiFePO4 and Li-ion batteries offer unique advantages and cater to different niches within the energy storage market. While Li-ion batteries excel in energy density and cost-effectiveness, LiFePO4 batteries shine in terms of safety, longevity, and environmental sustainability. As technology advances and manufacturing processes evolve, both battery chemistries are likely to continue improving, paving the way for a greener and more sustainable energy future.

 

Ready to power your next project with cutting-edge battery technology? Contact us today to explore how our advanced battery solutions can meet your specific needs.

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Possible reasons and solutions for lithium batteries not charging

Lithium batterie has become ubiquitous in our lives. I believe that many people have encountered the situation of lithium batterie can not be charged. Here, we will tell you some common reasons why lithium batterie can not be charged and how to deal with them.

 

  1. Poor connection of the battery charger: If the contact between the lithium batterie and the charger is poor, it will lead to the battery can not be charged. At this time, please check whether the contact between the battery and the charger plug is good, or replace the charger and battery to try.

 

  1. Incorrect battery polarity: If the battery is reversed into the charger, it will also result in the battery not charging. We should connect the positive terminal of the battery to the positive terminal of the charger and the negative terminal of the battery to the negative terminal of the charger.

 

  1. Faulty charger: A faulty charger will prevent the battery from charging. In this case, you need to replace the charger to solve the problem.

Fast-charging-lithium batterie

  1. Battery aging: If the lithium ion battery has been used for a long time, the capacity of the battery may have been reduced, the internal resistance of the battery may increase, these will lead to the battery can not be fully charged. At this time you need to replace the battery with a new one.

 

  1. Insufficient charging voltage: If the output voltage of the charger is insufficient, it will also lead to the battery can not be fully charged. At this time you need to check whether the output voltage of the charger meets the requirements of 18650 batteries pack.

 

In short, if the lithium battery can not be charged, we need to check the connection, polarity, charger, battery aging and many other factors, find the problem and repair or replace the device.

If you have any question, please feel free to contact us:

  • Name: Dawn Zeng (Director)
  • E-mail address: sales@himaxelectronics.com
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What is lithium battery pack？

Lithium battery pack refers to the assembly and production of lithium batterie. Pack refers to the packaging, encapsulation and assembly of lithium batterie. The main process is divided into three major parts: processing, assembly and packaging. When several modules are controlled or managed together by BMS and thermal management system, this unified whole is called lithium battery pack.

Composition of lithium battery pack:

lithium ion battery packs are generally made up of a collection of several Li-ion battery cells, with the addition of a BMS, and connectors. Thus forming the final product provided by the battery pack manufacturer to the user. The li-ion battery pack has a variety of shell materials, such as PVC, aluminium shell, steel shell, ABS shell and so on.

lithium batterie

 

Lithium battery pack features:

  1. 1.Functional integrity and can be used directly.
  2. 2.Diversity, a demand for a variety of realisation.
  3. 3. Longer service life.
  4. 4. Each lithium batterie can give full play to the energy of the battery, safe and reliable.

At present, 18650 batteries pack is widely used in the consumer electronics market, covering exploration equipment, robots, mobile phones, laptops, game consoles, digital cameras, portable devices and so on.

HIMAX can make all kinds of custom lithium battery pack and 12v lead acid replacement battery for our customers. We have full of confidence to meet your quality level. Looking forward to build a long term business with you and we wait for your kind respond

Contact Himax now to unlock your exclusive battery customization options, Himax offers a wide range of options and flexible customization services to meet the needs of different users.
If you have any question, please feel free to contact us:

  • Name: Dawn Zeng (Director)
  • E-mail address: sales@himaxelectronics.com
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Should we choose a battery with heating function？

Himax Decorative figure

AGM replacement battery/marine battery/lithium batterie/battery replacement/Energy storage battery/ LiFePO4 battery bank are widely used in our daily life. And in some areas, like North America, North Europe, the temperature in winter is always lower than 32°F (0°C). How can they use the battery properly in winter, such as charging and discharging, below 32°F (0°C)? This is a practical problem that customers will meet.

Himax 12V 6000mAH lifepo4 battery

As we know, conventional lithium-ion batteries or LiFePO4 battery cannot be charged at temperature below 32°F (0°C).

Gladly, the heating film can help to solve this problem. When the temperature is below 32°F (0°C), the heating film will be turned on under charging conditions. During heating , the charger only supplies power for the heating film and it will not charge the battery. When battery heats up to 50°F (10°C), the BMS stops heating and the battery starts to charge. When storaging and discharging, the heating film neither works nor consumes battery power.

Currently, our 12V 100Ah/25.6V 100Ah/51.2V 100Ah LiFePO4 battery bank, or other AGM replacement battery can be equipped with a heating pad, which can help to solve the charging problem when temperature below 32°F (0°C).

HIMAX can make all kinds of custom lithium battery pack and 12v lead acid replacement battery for our customers. We have full of confidence to meet your quality level. Looking forward to build a long term business with you and we wait for your kind respond

Contact Himax now to unlock your exclusive battery customization options, Himax offers a wide range of options and flexible customization services to meet the needs of different users.
If you have any question, please feel free to contact us:

  • Name: Dawn Zeng (Director)
  • E-mail address: sales@himaxelectronics.com
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Advanced Li-ion battery

LiTypes of Lithium-ion

Fundamental degradation mechanism of Ni-rich layered cathodes on li ion customized battery packs

Increasing of the Ni fraction increase the discharge capacity of the cathode but decreases the ability to retain its original capacity during cycling. The relatively inferior cycling stability of NCM with x > 0.8 is attributed to the phase transition near the charge-end. Stress stemming from the H2 to H3 phase transition destabilized the internal microcracks and allowed the microcracks to propagate to the surface, providing channels for electrolyte penetration and subsequent degradation of the exposed internal surfaces.

Concentration gradient cathode materials for advanced li ion customized battery packs

NCM cathodes with concentration gradients represent a viable solution that simultaneously addresses the specific energy density, cycling and chemical stability, and safety issues of Ni-enriched NCM cathodes. Currently, concentration gradient cathode with extremely high Ni content has been developed by X-doping. Interdiffusion and coarsening in the X-doped CG cathode were suppressed by the segregation of X at the grain boundary and particle surfaces, which also provided a protective coating layer that lowered the surface reactivity.

Microstructurally modified cathodes by high valence electron elements doping

Specific dopants, especially high-valence elements can change the morphology of primary particles in Ni-rich cathode materials. The introduction of a high- valence element during calcination effectively reduces the size of the grains and refines the morphology of primary particles into rod-shaped ones by inhibiting the coarsening of particles. The superior cycling stability clearly indicates the importance of the particle microstructure (i.e., particle size, particle shape, and crystallographic orientation) in mitigating the abrupt internal strain caused by phase transitions in the deeply charged state, which occur in Ni-rich layered cathodes.

Effects of low valence elements excess doping in microstructure

The grain size refinement can be achieved by the introduction of an excess amount of Al doping, which inhibits particle coarsening by segregating Al ions at the particle boundaries. A highly aligned microstructure is achieved by doping 4 mol% of Al, which can allow uniform contraction of the primary particles in the deeply charged state, preventing the formation of local stress concentrations, and deflecting the propagation of microcracks. The proposed Al 4mol%-doped NCA cathode represents a new breed of a Ni-rich NCA cathode that can meet the energy density required for the next-generation EVs without compromising the battery life and safety.

Li-ion

Advanced Co-free cathode

The elimination of Co from Ni-rich layered cathodes is considered a priority to reduce their material cost and for sustainable development of  li ion customized battery packs as Co is becoming increasingly scarce. In the Co-free cathode, the H2-H3 phase transition occurring near the charge end is shifted to a high voltage, so the capacity is lower than that of the NCM cathode at the standard operating voltage (4.3V). However, when operated at high voltage(4.4V), it shows improved thermal stability and cycling stability due to high Mn contents, while exhibiting capacity similar to that of NCM cathode.

Introducing High-Valence Elements into Co-free NM Cathodes(micro-, nano- structure enegineering)

By doping high-valence elements into the Co-free cathodes, the electrochemical performances of the cathodes can be further extended. The grain size refinement achieved by X-doping (X=high-valence element) dissipates the deleterious strain from abrupt lattice contraction through fracture toughening and the removal of local compositional inhomogeneities. Also, the unique structure induced by the presence of X stabilizes the delithiated structure through a pillar effect. The X-doped NM90 cathode can deliver a high capacity with cycling stability, and is suitable for the electric vehicles with long service life at a reduced material cost.

Source：

http://escml.hanyang.ac.kr/sub/sub01_02.php

If you have any question, please feel free to contact us:

  • Name: Dawn Zeng (Director)
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Sodium Ion Battery vs. Lithium Ion: The Future of Energy Storage

In the race to develop the most efficient and sustainable energy storage technology, two leading contenders have emerged: sodium ion batteries and li ion customized battery packs. While lithium ion batteries currently hold the market share, sodium ion batteries offer several advantages that could disrupt the energy storage landscape in the coming years.

 

Li ion customized battery packs, which are widely used in consumer electronics, electric vehicles, and grid-scale energy storage systems, have a long track record of performance and reliability. Lithium ion batteries store energy in the form of lithium ions, which can travel through an electrolyte to power the battery. They have a high energy density, meaning they can store a large amount of energy in a small space. Lithium ion batteries also have a relatively long lifespan, making them a cost-effective choice for many applications.

 

However, lithium is a rare metal, making li ion customized battery packs expensive and environmentally unfriendly to produce. The extraction and refinement of lithium require significant resources and can have negative impacts on the environment. Furthermore, lithium ion batteries may not be the best solution for large-scale grid storage or for widespread use in electric vehicles due to their limited supply and high cost.

 

Sodium ion batteries, on the other hand, offer a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative to lithium ion batteries. Sodium is abundant and widely distributed, making it a less expensive and more environmentally friendly material for battery production. Sodium ion batteries work similarly to lithium ion batteries, storing energy in the form of sodium ions that travel through an electrolyte. They have a high specific capacity, meaning they can store more energy per unit weight compared to lithium ion batteries.

4000mAh batteries-Li Ion Customized Battery Packs

Another advantage of sodium ion batteries is their wide temperature range. They can operate in a variety of climates and conditions, making them suitable for use in extreme environments or in remote locations where temperature control is challenging. This flexibility could make sodium ion batteries a good choice for grid-scale storage in areas with variable climates or limited infrastructure.

 

Despite their advantages, sodium ion batteries still face challenges before they can compete with lithium ion batteries on the market. Researchers are working to improve the performance, lifespan, and cost-effectiveness of sodium ion batteries to make them viable alternatives. Development efforts are focused on improving the electrode materials, developing new electrolytes, and optimizing battery designs to improve energy density and charge/discharge rates.

 

The future of energy storage is uncertain as more research is conducted on both sodium ion batteries and li ion customized battery packs. It remains to be seen which technology will ultimately prevail. However, as the race continues, it’s clear that the development of sustainable and cost-effective energy storage solutions is critical for meeting the growing demand for clean and efficient energy worldwide.

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Researchers construct amorphous chloride solid electrolytes with high Li-ion conductivity

LiTypes of Lithium-ion

A research team has successfully constructed a glassy Li-ion conduction network and developed amorphous tantalum chloride solid electrolytes (SEs) with high li ion customized battery packs conductivity.

The research results were published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society.

The study shows that compared with ceramic SEs, amorphous SEs distinguish themselves by their inherent unique glassy networks for intimate solid-solid contact and extraordinary li ion customized battery packs conduction percolation.

In addition, amorphous SEs are conducive to fast li ion customized battery packs conduction and are promising for realizing the effective use of high-capacity cathodes and stable cycling; thus, they significantly increase the energy density of all-solid-state lithium batteries (ASSLBs).

However, due to the low areal capacity of the thin-film cathode and the poor room-temperature ionic conductivity, the amorphous Li-ion conduction phosphorous oxynitride (Li1.9PO3.3N0.5, LiPON) is inferior to the current commercialized Li-ion batteries in terms of the energy/power density.

To overcome this challenge, it is necessary to develop amorphous SEs with high Li-ion conductivity and ideal chemical (or electrochemical) stability. It has been revealed that crystalline halides, compounds in which the halogens are negatively valenced, including fluorides, chlorides, bromides, and iodides, are promising to realize high-energy-density ASSLBs for their high voltage stability and high ionic conductivity. However, there are still few studies on developing amorphous chloride SEs.

Researchers proposed a new class of amorphous chloride SEs with high Li-ion conductivity, demonstrating excellent compatibility for high-nickel cathodes, and realized a high-energy-density ASSLB with a wide range of temperatures and stable cycling.

Himax-home-page-design-product-category-1-4-1-Li Ion Customized Battery Packs

The researchers determined the structural features of the LiTaCl6 amorphous matrix by employing random surface walking global optimization combined with a global neural network potential (SSW-NN) function for a full-situ energy surface search and one-dimensional solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance lithium spectroscopy for the decoupling of chemical environments, X-ray absorption fine-structure fitting, and low-temperature transmission electron microscopy for the microstructural characterization of the matrix.

Based on the flexibility of its component design, a series of high-performance and cost-effective Li-ion composite solid electrolyte materials with the highest room-temperature Li-ion conductivity up to 7 mS cm-1 were further prepared, which meets the practical application requirements of high-magnification ASSLBs.

Furthermore, researchers verified the applicability of the ASSLBs constructed based on amorphous chloride over a wide temperature range: i.e., it can achieve a high rate (3.4 C) close to 10,000 cycles of stable operation in a freezing environment of -10°C. The component flexibility, fast ionic conductivity, and excellent chemical and electrochemical stability exhibited by the amorphous chloride SEs provide new ideas for further designing new SEs and constructing high-ratio ASSLBs.

This breakthrough extends a series of high-performance composite SEs, overcomes the limitations of the structure and component design of traditional crystalline SEs, and paves the way for realizing high-nickel cathodes with high performance for ASSLBs.

The research team was led by Prof. Yao Hongbin from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), in collaboration with Prof. Shang Cheng from Fudan University and Prof. Tao Xinyong at Zhejiang University of Technology.

More information: Feng Li et al, Amorphous Chloride Solid Electrolytes with High Li-Ion Conductivity for Stable Cycling of All-Solid-State High-Nickel Cathodes, Journal of the American Chemical Society (2023). DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c10602

Journal information: Journal of the American Chemical Society

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  • Name: Dawn Zeng (Director)
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How to Increase the Longevity of Lithium-Ion Batteries: A Comprehensive Guide

Lithium-ion-polymer-batteries-charging

Keywords: li ion customized battery packs, battery longevity, battery care, charging, storage

Summary:
This article provides valuable insights into enhancing the lifespan of li ion customized battery packs. Covering key factors like charging, storage conditions, and proper maintenance, it equips readers with the knowledge to ensure maximum performance and longevity of their batteries.

Body:

Li ion customized battery packs have become an integral part of our daily lives, powering everything from smartphones to electric vehicles. However, ensuring their longevity can be a challenge. Here’s a guide to increasing the lifespan of li ion customized battery packs.

18650 Lithium Ion Battery Pack-Li Ion Customized Battery Packs

1.Proper Charging:

  • Charging the battery to full capacity and draining it completely can shorten its lifespan. It’s recommended to charge the battery when it reaches about 40-80% discharge level to minimize damage to the battery.
  • Using a high-quality charger that adheres to battery manufacturer’s recommended charging parameters is essential for maintaining battery health.
  • Avoid charging or discharging the battery at high temperatures as this can damage the battery’s internal structure, leading to premature aging.

2.Storage Conditions:

  • When not in use, li ion customized battery packs should be stored in a cool, dry place. Extreme temperatures can affect battery performance and longevity.
  • It’s best to store the battery at about 50% charge level to prevent damage caused by deep discharging or overcharging.
  • Regularly charging and discharging the battery even when not in use helps maintain battery health.

3.Proper Maintenance:

  • Regularly cleaning the battery contacts with a lint-free cloth can help prevent corrosion and ensure efficient charging and discharging.
  • Inspecting for cracks, tears, or other damage on the battery casing and ensuring it’s securely fastened can prevent leaks and failures.
  • It’s essential to use only recommended chargers and not to attempt repairs or modifications on the battery as this can lead to damage or malfunction.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your lithium-ion batteries perform at their best for longer, extending their lifespan and providing reliable power throughout their service life. Remember, proper care and maintenance are key to achieving maximum performance from your lithium-ion batteries.

If you have any question, please feel free to contact us:

  • Name: Dawn Zeng (Director)
  • E-mail address: sales@himaxelectronics.com
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The Applications of 5V Batteries in Portable Devices

portable device decorate img

5V batteries are widely employed in various portable devices, characterized by a moderate voltage, compact size, light weight, and relatively high power output, making them an ideal energy source for many mobile devices.

Here are some common portable devices that typically utilize 5V batteries:

  1. Smartphones: The voltage level of 5V batteries is relatively moderate, allowing them to provide sufficient power for smartphones while maintaining a reasonable battery life. This ensures that smartphones can maintain good battery performance over an entire charging cycle.
  2. Tablets: Designed for lightness and portability, tablets often incorporate 5V batteries, offering a balanced power management solution to meet the performance requirements of tablets while maintaining a relatively long battery life. Similar to smartphones, tablets frequently use 5V batteries to support high-resolution screens and complex applications.
  3. Portable Chargers: Since most mobile devices use USB as a charging standard, and the standard voltage for USB charging is 5V, portable chargers with 5V batteries can directly support various USB charging devices, providing broader compatibility.
  4. Bluetooth Headphones and Earphones: Bluetooth headphones and earphones are typically low-power devices that don’t require high voltage to provide sufficient energy. The 5V battery voltage is moderate in this scenario, meeting the power needs of headphones and making them lightweight and easy to carry.
  5. Handheld Gaming Consoles: Designed for portability, handheld gaming consoles often use 5V batteries due to their relatively small size and lightweight, supporting extended gaming experiences.
  6. Smartwatches and Health Trackers: Many smartwatches and health trackers support USB charging with a standard voltage of 5V. By adopting 5V batteries, these devices can directly utilize standard USB charging cables, providing a convenient and universal charging method.
  7. Drones: Small and portable drones typically use 5V batteries to supply the required power for flight.
  8. Cameras and Camcorders: Some portable cameras and camcorders use 5V batteries, making them more convenient to carry and use.
  9. Handheld Electronic Devices: Including small speakers, flashlights, and mobile wireless routers, various portable electronic devices also commonly use 5V batteries.

 

portable Devices

When applying 5V batteries, it’s essential to consider the following aspects:

  • Compatibility: Ensure that the selected 5V battery is compatible with the device’s voltage requirements to prevent potential damage or performance degradation.
  • Quality and Reliability: Opt for high-quality and reliable brands of 5V batteries to ensure performance and safety. Low-quality batteries may pose risks such as leakage, overheating, and other safety hazards.
  • Charger Selection: Use a charger that aligns with the device’s specifications in terms of charging current and voltage. Using an incorrect charger may impact battery life and safety.
  • Charging Cycles: Avoid frequent deep discharge cycles, as this can accelerate the aging of 5V batteries. Regular charging and maintaining the battery at an appropriate charge level contribute to sustained performance.
  • Temperature Control: Avoid using or charging 5V batteries in extreme temperatures, as extreme conditions may affect battery performance and lifespan. High temperatures can lead to overheating, while low temperatures may cause a reduction in battery capacity.
  • Avoid Overdischarge and Overcharge: Prevent both full discharge and overcharging of 5V batteries. This practice helps extend the battery’s lifespan and reduce internal stress.
  • Storage Conditions: If a device will not be used for an extended period, ensure the battery is fully charged before storage and store it in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing devices and batteries in environments with high temperatures or humidity.
  • Maintenance Alerts: Some devices may provide maintenance alerts or settings related to battery care. It’s crucial to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and perform maintenance promptly.
  • Monitoring During Charging: Keep the device nearby during charging to take timely action in case of any abnormalities. Overcharging can lead to overheating and safety issues.
  • Prevent Impact and Compression: Avoid subjecting 5V batteries to strong impacts or compression to prevent battery damage, leakage, or short circuits.

5V rechargeable batteries are a common portable power source. Through careful selection, use, and maintenance of 5V batteries, their performance can be optimized, and their lifespan extended. For more information about battery products or other advanced technological solutions, please feel free to contact us.

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A borate-pyran-based electrolyte that minimizes corrosion in Li-metal batteries

Structure-Of-Steel

Electrolytes are key custom lithium battery pack components that transfer charge carrying particles (i.e., ions) back and forth between two electrodes, ultimately allowing batteries to repeatedly charge and discharge. Engineering and identifying promising electrolytes can help to improve the performance and properties of batteries, allowing them to better support the needs of the electronics industry.

Lithium-metal batteries (LMBs) are a promising class of batteries that have been found to have numerous advantageous properties, including longer battery use per single charge. However, electrodes in these batteries are prone to become corroded when exposed to some chemicals, which makes the design of suitable liquid electrolytes for these batteries challenging.

Researchers at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) and LG Energy Solution in South Korea recently engineered a new liquid electrolyte for LMBs based on lean borate-pyran. Their paper, published in Nature Energy, shows that this electrolyte could minimize corrosion in LMBs, while retaining their performance.

“Lithium metal batteries are undergoing development with the aim of maximizing battery energy density,” Hee-Tak Kim, one of the researchers who carried out the study, told Tech Xplore. “However, the current obstacle lies in the electrolyte, which currently represents the second-highest weight fraction in the battery. To effectively implement high energy density, it is imperative to reduce the amount of electrolyte used.”

How Low can a custom lithium battery pack be discharged?（Demo picture)

The recent work by Kim and his colleagues draws inspiration from an earlier paper by a research team at Stanford University, published in Science. The authors of this paper found that the swelling of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), a protective layer created on the surface of anodes in lithium batteries, ultimately prompts the reversibility of Li metal electrodes.

“Motivated by the finding, we tried to devise a strategy to build a SEI with minimal liquid electrolyte swelling and consequently minimal Li corrosion,” Kim said. “To make Li-metal batteries work, two requirements should be met, namely uniform Li plating/stripping and minimal Li corrosion. Our electrolyte design achieves both requirements by inducing the densely packed, nanocrystalline, and inorganic-rich SEI.”

The borate-pyran based electrolyte engineered by this team of researchers produces the anti-Oswald ripening of LiF crystallites in the SEI. This process in turn prompts the formation of the SEI, while also reducing the protective layers’ swelling and thus minimizing the electrodes’ corrosion.

In the future, the new promising liquid electrolyte identified by Kim and his colleagues could be tested in further experiments and integrated in other LMBs with varying designs. In addition, this recent work could inform the engineering of additional electrolytes, thus contributing to ongoing efforts aimed at introducing better performing battery designs.

“Our recent paper emphasizes the critical role of the microstructure of SEI in addressing the problem of Li corrosion,” Kim added. “Furthermore, the microstructure can be strategically restructured by the unique design of the electrolyte. The ultimate goal of Li metal battery technology is to achieve an anode-free lithium metal battery and to enable high-rate charging. Our efforts are dedicated to resolving the pivotal challenges associated with making these cutting-edge technologies a reality.”

More information: Hyeokjin Kwon et al, Borate–pyran lean electrolyte-based Li-metal batteries with minimal Li corrosion, Nature Energy (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41560-023-01405-6

Journal information: Science  , Nature Energy

If you have any question, please feel free to contact us:

  • Name: Dawn Zeng (Director)
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