In a groundbreaking development, a team of researchers at Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) has successfully created a gel electrolyte-based battery that promises both stability and commercial viability. Lithium-ion batteries, widely used in portable electronics and electric vehicles, have long been plagued by the safety risks posed by their liquid electrolytes, motivating researchers to explore safer alternatives.
The new semi-solid-state battery developed by Professor Soojin Park and her team offers a promising solution. By incorporating a gel-like electrolyte, the battery achieves enhanced stability, energy density, and longevity compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. The challenge has been to create gel electrolytes that are both stable and cost-effective for mass production.
The researchers at POSTECH have overcome these obstacles by utilizing a bifunctional cross-linkable additive combined with electron beam technology. By introducing an additional e-beam irradiation step to the conventional pouch-type battery manufacturing process, they were able to enhance the stability and compatibility of the gel electrolyte with the electrodes, leading to a significant reduction in gas generation and interfacial resistance.
Through rigorous testing, the team demonstrated that their gel electrolyte-based battery outperformed conventional batteries in high-temperature evaluations, maintaining its capacity even after 200 cycles. This breakthrough paves the way for the rapid mass production of safe and commercially viable gel electrolyte-based batteries, with far-reaching implications for the electric vehicle industry and beyond.
Professor Soojin Park expressed optimism about the potential impact of this research, stating, “This achievement in stability and commercial viability is poised to be a breakthrough in the electric vehicle industry. We hope this advancement will greatly benefit not only electric vehicles but also a wide range of other applications that rely on lithium-ion batteries.”
