A groundbreaking research study led by Professor Shizhang Qiao from the University of Adelaide has revealed that the next generation of lithium-sulphur (Li||S) batteries could potentially be charged in less than five minutes, a significant improvement from the current hours-long charging times. The study, recently published in the journal Nature Nanotechnology, focused on the sulphur reduction reaction (SRR) that dictates the charge-discharge rate of Li||S batteries.
Using advanced techniques at the Australian Synchrotron, including soft X-ray spectroscopy and powder diffraction beamlines, Professor Qiao and his team explored various carbon-based transition metal electrocatalysts to enhance the SRR. By designing a nanocomposite electrocatalyst featuring cobalt-zinc (CoZn) clusters, the researchers achieved remarkable results. When integrated into lithium-sulphur batteries, the battery demonstrated an exceptional power-to-weight ratio of 26120 W kgS-1, allowing for rapid full charge/discharge cycles.
The collaboration with Australian Synchrotron beamline scientists like Dr Bernt Johannessen, Dr Anton Tadich, and Dr Qinfen Gu proved instrumental in understanding the role of the SRR in battery performance. By adjusting the electronic structure of the catalyst, the team successfully accelerated the SRR reaction speed, paving the way for ultra-fast charging capabilities.
This groundbreaking research not only holds the potential to revolutionize energy storage technologies but also promises advancements in high-performance battery systems for a wide range of applications, from mobile phones and laptops to electric vehicles. The findings mark a significant step forward in the quest for efficient and rapid charging solutions in the realm of battery technology.
