A groundbreaking new battery technology could potentially enable electric vehicles (EVs) to travel for a million kilometers, according to the researchers behind its development. One of the primary limitations of EVs, aside from battery capacity, is the lifespan of their batteries. Over time, these batteries degrade, necessitating costly, environmentally damaging, and complex replacements.
The prevalent issue stems from the fundamental mechanism of lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in EVs. These batteries store energy by converting electrical energy into chemical energy, which is then reversed to release power. This process relies on nickel cathode materials, which can store a substantial quantity of the lithium ions required for energy storage. However, these nickel-based materials are composed of microscopic crystals that can gradually deteriorate with repeated charging and discharging cycles.
Researchers believe they have found a solution by manufacturing cathode materials in a single, large particle or crystal, which is less prone to breaking down. In a recent study, scientists investigated the optimal temperature range for producing these high-quality, single-crystal materials. By testing various temperatures, they evaluated the resulting impact on the material’s capacity and long-term performance.
The research revealed a critical temperature at which the materials can be synthesized efficiently while maintaining high quality, thereby extending their lifespan. Above this temperature, a process known as “densification” occurs, resulting in larger grains within the material and the elimination of empty spaces. Once this densification is achieved, the materials become exceptionally durable and resistant to degradation.
“We have introduced a new synthesis strategy to enhance the durability of nickel-based cathode materials,” stated Kyu-Young Park, a professor at Pohang University of Science & Technology. “We will continue our research to make secondary batteries for electric vehicles cheaper, faster, and longer-lasting.”
The research findings are detailed in a recently published article, ‘Comparison Study of a Thermal-Driven Microstructure in a High-Ni Cathode for Lithium-Ion Batteries: Critical Calcination Temperature for Polycrystalline and Single-Crystalline Design’, in the journal ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces.
