ETH Zurich scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of battery technology that could revolutionize the performance and environmental impact of lithium metal batteries. The research team, headed by Professor Maria Lukatskaya, has developed a new electrolyte design that drastically reduces the amount of fluorine needed to stabilize batteries. This breakthrough has the potential to significantly increase the range of electric vehicles and improve the efficiency of smartphones.
Lithium metal batteries are considered a promising option for the next generation of high-energy batteries due to their ability to store at least twice as much energy per unit of volume compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. However, the current electrolyte used in lithium metal batteries requires a high concentration of fluorine, which has negative environmental implications.
The research team’s new approach uses electrostatic attraction to transport fluorine to the protective layer around the metallic lithium in the battery. This method reduces the amount of fluorine required in the liquid electrolyte by 20 times, making the batteries more stable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly.
By minimizing the fluorine content in lithium metal batteries, the researchers have addressed a critical issue in battery technology. The study, published in the journal Energy & Environmental Science, outlines the fundamental principles of the new approach and its potential applications in commercial battery production.
The team’s innovative method could pave the way for greener battery technology that enhances energy storage capacity while reducing environmental impact. With a patent application already submitted, the next step for the researchers is to test the scalability of the approach and apply it to pouch cells used in smartphones. This research marks a significant advancement in the quest for more efficient and sustainable battery solutions.
