A research team from the Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST) in South Korea has developed a lithium metal battery featuring a triple-layer solid polymer electrolyte, offering significant improvements in fire safety and battery lifespan. Led by Principal Researcher Kim Jae-hyun, the team’s innovation aims to advance energy storage systems, particularly for electric vehicles (EVs).
The new battery design incorporates a three-layer structure for the electrolyte, with each layer serving a specific function. According to the researchers, the middle layer enhances the mechanical strength of the battery, while the outer layers improve electrode contact and enable better lithium-ion mobility. As the researchers write, “The triple-layer solid electrolyte features a robust middle layer that boosts the battery’s mechanical strength, while its soft outer surface ensures an excellent electrode contact, facilitating an easy movement of lithium ions. This enables a faster movement of lithium ions, enhancing energy transfer rates and preventing dendrite formation effectively.”
In extensive testing, the battery demonstrated impressive results, retaining 87.9% of its capacity after 1,000 charge and discharge cycles. In comparison, traditional lithium-ion batteries typically maintain between 70% and 80% of their capacity over the same period, marking a notable improvement in longevity and performance.
Dr. Kim emphasized the potential impact of the technology on the commercialization of lithium metal batteries with solid polymer electrolytes. He stated, “This research is anticipated to make a signif
Source: dgist.ac.kr