A research team led by the University of Cambridge has found that maintaining lithium-ion batteries under a carefully controlled level of physical pressure could significantly extend their operational lifespan.
The findings, published in Nature Energy, indicate that keeping batteries at a consistent pressure during charging and discharging cycles may potentially double their service life by reducing mechanical degradation.
Study Focuses on Battery Mechanics
Rather than modifying battery chemistry, the researchers examined how mechanical pressure affects battery performance over time.
The team tested commercially available lithium-ion pouch cells using a specialized setup that applied constant pressure through pneumatic bellows while monitoring small changes in battery volume during charging and discharging.
According to the researchers, lithium-ion batteries naturally expand and contract as lithium ions move between the anode and cathode, creating repeated mechanical stress that contributes to long-term degradation.
Professor Michael De Volder, who co-led the study, said the project explored an area that has received less attention than battery chemistry.
“We just bought commercial batteries and tested them for lifetime under different pressures. We didn’t have to change anything about their electrolyte or electrode composition.”
Optimal Pressure Improves Battery Durability
The study found that maintaining pressure at approximately 12.5 bar produced the best results.
According to the researchers, applying too much pressure can promote lithium plating on the anode, while insufficient pressure can lead to cracking of the cathode.
De Volder said maintaining a relatively constant pressure throughout each charging cycle proved more beneficial than allowing pressure to fluctuate.
“If the pressure is kept relatively constant during each charge and discharge cycle.”
He added:
“If you press too hard, the anode is unhappy. If you don’t press hard enough, the cathode starts degrading. Our experiments identified where the ‘happy place’ is for batteries when it comes to pressure.”
Further Development Required
The researchers noted that the technology has so far been demonstrated only under laboratory conditions and will require further development before it can be applied in commercial battery systems.
A patent related to the technology has been filed through Cambridge Enterprise, the university’s commercialization organization.
The research received support from the European Research Council, the Faraday Institution, and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
