Electric vehicles (EVs) could soon have a significantly increased lifespan thanks to new battery technology. Researchers believe a new method of creating battery components could enable EVs to travel for a million kilometers.
One of the key drawbacks of EVs currently is battery lifespan. Over time, batteries degrade and require replacement, which can be costly, environmentally damaging, and complex.
The problem stems from how lithium secondary batteries, the type used in EVs, store their charge. They convert electrical energy into chemical energy for storage then back into electrical energy for use. This process uses nickel cathode materials, which store the lithium ions required. However, these nickel-based materials are made of tiny crystals that can degrade as they cycle through charging and discharging.
Researchers believe producing the cathode material as a single large particle or crystal can solve this problem, as they’re less prone to breaking down. This process involves finding the right temperature to create high-quality single-crystal materials.
The research team tested various temperatures to determine their effect on the material’s capacity and long-term performance. They identified a critical temperature for producing high-quality materials relatively easily, which would extend their lifespan.
Above this temperature, a process called “densification” occurs, where the grains inside the material grow, and any empty spaces are filled. After this, the materials are extremely robust and don’t degrade, allowing for a longer lifespan.
“We have introduced a new synthesis strategy to enhance the durability of nickel-based cathode materials,” said 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 is detailed in an article titled, ‘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’, published in the journal ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces.
