A research team led by Principal Researcher Kim Jae-hyun from DGIST’s Division of Energy & Environmental Technology has developed a lithium metal battery utilizing a “triple-layer solid polymer electrolyte” to improve fire safety and extend the battery’s lifespan. Conventional solid polymer electrolyte batteries typically struggle with electrode contact and the formation of dendrites, which can lead to battery malfunctions and safety hazards. The triple-layer structure of the new electrolyte addresses these issues by incorporating DBDPE to prevent fires, zeolite to strengthen the electrolyte, and a lithium salt to enhance lithium ion movement.
The triple-layer solid electrolyte design features a robust middle layer to improve mechanical strength and a soft outer surface for optimal electrode contact, enabling faster movement of lithium ions and preventing dendrite formation. The battery developed by the research team demonstrated a remarkable 87.9% performance retention after 1,000 charging cycles, far surpassing the typical maintenance of around 70-80% in traditional batteries. Additionally, in the event of a fire, this battery can extinguish itself, significantly reducing the risk of fires and explosions. This technology has the potential for a wide range of applications, from small devices like smartphones and wearables to electric vehicles and large-scale energy storage systems.
Dr. Kim highlights the significance of this research in advancing the commercialization of lithium metal batteries using solid polymer electrolytes, emphasizing the enhanced stability and efficiency this new technology brings to energy storage devices. The study was supported by the Future Materials Discovery Project led by Professor Lee Jung-ho of Hanyang University and the Mid-Career Researcher Program led by Dr. Kim Jae-hyun of the National Research Foundation of Korea. The findings have been published as the cover article in the international academic journal Small, published by Wiley.
By addressing the limitations of conventional solid polymer electrolyte batteries, the triple-layer solid electrolyte developed by the research team offers a safer and more efficient alternative for energy storage applications. With each layer serving a specific purpose, the electrolyte enhances the battery’s safety and efficiency, providing a solution to the issue of dendrite formation and improving the battery’s durability over repeated charging cycles. This technology has the potential to revolutionize the energy storage industry and enable the widespread adoption of lithium metal batteries in various sectors.
The battery developed by the DGIST research team is a significant advancement in lithium metal battery technology, offering enhanced fire safety, extended lifespan, and improved performance compared to traditional batteries. The robust middle layer of the triple-layer solid electrolyte provides mechanical strength, while the soft outer surface facilitates electrode contact and lithium ion movement. The exceptional performance retention of 87.9% after 1,000 charging cycles demonstrates the durability and efficiency of this new battery technology, making it a promising solution for a range of applications from small devices to electric vehicles and large-scale energy storage systems.
Dr. Kim’s research team’s breakthrough in developing a lithium metal battery with a triple-layer solid polymer electrolyte is a major step forward in the advancement of energy storage technology. By effectively addressing the limitations of conventional batteries and enhancing safety and efficiency, this technology has the potential to revolutionize the energy storage industry and pave the way for the widespread adoption of lithium metal batteries in various applications. The support from the National Research Foundation of Korea and the publication of the findings in the prestigious journal Small underscore the significance and impact of this research in driving innovation and progress in the field of energy storage.
