New electrolyte boosts lithium-metal battery life, says SDI

Samsung SDI and Columbia University have published research in Joule detailing a fluorine-based gel polymer electrolyte that improves both the lifespan and safety of lithium-metal batteries. The study was conducted jointly by Samsung SDI’s Korea R&D Centre, its US arm SDIRA, and Columbia University professor Yuan Yang.

Lithium-metal batteries offer more than 1.6 times the energy density of conventional NCA lithium-ion cells, but commercialisation has been held back by a charge-discharge lifespan typically limited to only several dozen cycles. The new electrolyte addresses this by forming a stable interphase on the anode surface, suppressing dendrite formation — the primary cause of performance degradation.

“This study represents a major improvement in lithium-metal battery performance through a new electrolyte formulation and brings commercialisation of next-generation batteries one step closer,” said Professor Yang.

Samsung SDI says the technology could support applications beyond automotive, including next-generation wearable devices requiring high energy density.

Source: Samsung SDI