New technology self-healing lithium battery is coming soon

Engineers at the University of Illinois have developed an electrolyte that can help manufacturers produce recyclable, self-healing commercial batteries.

In a study published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, the researchers said that they created a polymer-based solid electrolyte that can heal itself after damage, and that the material can also be used without Recycle in the case of harsh chemicals or high-strength chemicals. temperature.

Experts wrote in the paper that their invention is a push to replace the liquid electrolyte in lithium-ion batteries with solid materials such as ceramics or polymers. This solves the problems associated with the formation of dendrites or branched structures of solid lithium after the battery has undergone multiple charge and discharge cycles.

Dendritic crystals shorten battery life, cause hot spots and short circuits, and sometimes become large enough to pierce the internal components of the battery, resulting in an explosive chemical reaction between the electrode and the electrolyte.

Brian Jing, one of the co-authors of the study, said in a media statement: "Solid ion conductive polymers are an option for developing non-liquid electrolytes." "But the high temperature conditions inside the battery will melt Most polymers, which again lead to dendrites and failure. "

In order to solve this problem, the researchers developed a network polymer electrolyte in which the cross-linking points can undergo exchange reactions and exchange polymer chains. Compared to linear polymers, these networks actually harden when heated, which minimizes dendrite problems. In addition, they are easily decomposed and re-cured into a network structure after damage, making them recyclable, and because of their self-healing properties, they can restore conductivity after damage.

Christopher Evans, the lead author of the paper, said: "Most polymers require strong acids and high temperatures to decompose." "Our materials are soluble in water at room temperature, making them very energy-efficient and environmentally friendly."