Safer electric vehicles with new battery technology

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【Summary】Researchers at the University of Maryland have developed a new battery technology for electric vehicles (EVs) that reduces the risk of battery fires and increases energy storage. The technology suppresses the growth of lithium dendrites, which can cause short circuits and failures in lithium-ion batteries. The new battery design could lead to the production of safer all-solid-state batteries for EVs.

FutureCar Staff Oct 30, 2023 9:16 AM PT

Safer electric vehicles with new battery technology

Researchers at the University of Maryland have developed a new battery technology that aims to reduce the risk of battery fires in next-generation electric vehicles (EVs) while increasing energy storage. The technology, which was presented in the journal Nature on October 25, 2023, focuses on suppressing the growth of lithium dendrites in lithium-ion batteries. These dendrites are branch-like structures that can cause short circuits and failures over time.

The researchers believe that their new battery design, specifically a fluorine-rich interlayer added to stabilize the cathode side and a modified interlayer with magnesium and bismuth for the anode, can prevent dendrite formation. This could potentially lead to the production of safer all-solid-state batteries for EVs. Currently, lithium-ion batteries, although known for their high energy storage, contain a flammable liquid electrolyte component that poses safety risks, such as battery fires, electric shock, and exposure to toxic gases for first responders.

Professor Chunsheng Wang, from the department of chemical and biomolecular engineering, and postdoctoral associate Hongli Wan, developed a theory for lithium dendrite growth in 2021, which served as the foundation for their new battery design. Wang stated that all-solid-state batteries have the potential to be safer than current electric or internal combustion models, but finding a way to overcome the drawbacks has been a laborious process. He also emphasized that achieving high energy in batteries often comes at the expense of safety.

While all-solid-state batteries offer advantages in terms of energy and safety, there are challenges to overcome before they can be commercialized. One challenge is scaling down the solid electrolyte layer to achieve a similar thickness to the electrolyte in lithium-ion batteries. This would improve energy density and battery storage. Additionally, the high costs of basic materials present another obstacle.

Battery manufacturer Solid Power plans to conduct trials of the new technology to assess its potential for commercialization. If the trials are successful, the company aims to release the new batteries to the market by 2026.