Researchers from South Korea’s KAIST and LG Energy Solution said they have developed a lithium-metal battery technology that addresses a key safety and performance barrier, potentially paving the way for electric vehicles that can travel up to 800 kilometers (500 miles) on a 12-minute charge.
The joint team said its new electrolyte, detailed in the journal Nature Energy, prevents the formation of dendrites — needle-like lithium deposits that have long limited the commercial use of lithium-metal batteries by reducing efficiency and creating short-circuit risks. The scientists said their “cohesion-inhibiting” liquid electrolyte ensures smoother lithium deposition on the anode, allowing fast charging without safety compromises.
In laboratory testing, the batteries retained stability while charging from 5% to 70% in 12 minutes for more than 350 cycles. The team also simulated designs achieving energy densities of 386 Wh/kg, capable of charging from 10% to 80% in 17 minutes.
Lithium-metal batteries are seen as a potential successor to today’s lithium-ion cells due to their higher energy density, though challenges such as dendrite formation have hindered large-scale adoption. KAIST and LG Energy said their findings could accelerate development of next-generation EV batteries, though they did not disclose a commercial timeline.
Source: Nature Energy via KAIST News Center