The CSIRO scientists, in collaboration with Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) and Queensland University of Technology (QUT), found that lithium metal electrodes pre-treated in an electrolyte bath containing a mixture of ionic liquids and lithium salts prior to assembly could potentially outperform other batteries currently on the market. Ionic liquids or room temperature molten salts, are a unique class of material that are clear, colourless, odourless solutions and are non-flammable. When used in batteries these materials can prevent the risk of fire and explosion, a known rechargeable battery issue. The salt bath pre-treatment adds a protective film onto the surface of the electrode that helps stabilise the battery when in operation.
The technique is set to accelerate the development of next generation energy storage solutions and overcome the issue of ‘battery range anxiety’ that currently acts as a major barrier in the electric vehicle (EV) industry. It has the potential to improve EV drive range and battery charge to a point where EVs will soon be competitive with traditional petrol vehicles.
The research formed part of Dr Andrew Basile’s doctoral thesis with RMIT University, working closely with CSIRO scientist Dr Anand Bhatt to investigate battery processes occurring at lithium metal. The team of scientists is currently developing batteries based on this technology, and are looking for partners to help bring these materials and devices to market.
“Our research has shown by pre-treating lithium metal electrodes, we can create batteries with charge efficiency that greatly exceeds standard lithium batteries” said CSIRO Dr Adam Best. “The pre-treatment reduces the breakdown of electrolytes during operation, which is what determines the battery’s increased performance and lifetime.”
QUT researcher Associate Professor Anthony O’Mullane added that the method can easily be adopted by manufacturers.
Batteries that have undergone the process can also spend up to one year on the shelf without loss of performance. The electrolyte salt solutions, to which CSIRO holds patents, come in a range of chemical compositions.
The research has been published in the journal Nature Communications.
For additional information:
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
