Extending the Lifespan of Electric Vehicles: New Polymer Binder Developed

author: FutureCar Staff    

This article has undergone a thorough review by Science X's editorial process and policies. During the review, the editors focused on the following attributes to ensure the credibility of the content:

In the realm of electric vehicles, the key to their operation lies in rechargeable batteries that can withstand multiple charge cycles. While lithium-ion batteries have been commonly used for this purpose, their limitations in energy storage capacity have led researchers to explore alternative options. One such alternative is the dual-ion battery (DIB), which utilizes both lithium cations and counter anions simultaneously, providing a high energy density similar to traditional batteries. This allows DIBs to store a significant amount of energy. However, the larger anions used in DIBs can cause expansion and contraction of the graphite anode material during charge and discharge, leading to reduced battery durability.

In a recent breakthrough, a collaborative research team has addressed the durability issues of dual-ion batteries through innovative polymer binder research. The team published their findings in the journal Advanced Materials.

The binder plays a critical role in securing various chemicals within rechargeable batteries. In this study, the research team introduced a novel polymer binder that incorporates azide groups (N3-) and acrylate groups (C3H3O2-). The azide groups form a strong covalent bond with graphite through a chemical reaction facilitated by ultraviolet light, ensuring the structural integrity of the graphite during its expansion and contraction. On the other hand, the acrylate groups facilitate the reconnection between the graphite and the binder, even if the bond is disrupted.

The experimental results showed that dual-ion batteries equipped with the newly developed binder maintained exceptional performance even after enduring over 3,500 recharge cycles. These batteries also demonstrated swift charging capabilities, with about 88% of the original capacity being restored within just 2 minutes.

Professor Soojin Park, who led the research, explained the significance of dual-ion batteries, stating, "Dual-ion batteries are not only cost-effective but also make use of Earth's abundant graphite resources. This research will inspire further exploration of dual-ion batteries, extending their applications beyond electric vehicles to various other fields."

For more information, the full study titled "Azacyclic Anchor-Enabled Cohesive Graphite Electrodes for Sustainable Anion Storage" can be found in the journal Advanced Materials.

Source: Science Daily

FutureCar Staff