Chinese scientists’ new gel filling could triple lifespan of lithium batteries for EVs, drones
- Tests show 92 per cent capacity retention in lithium batteries with new gel polymer electrolyte filling, according to recently published study
- GPEs offer one option in quest to resolve lithium-ion battery explosion and fire safety issues, lead researcher says
Chinese scientists have developed a new technology that could triple the lifespan of a traditional lithium-ion battery and reduce its risk of catching fire.
The technology, which replaces the battery’s chemical solution with a new substance of gel-like consistency, could be scaled up to find immediate application in China’s booming electric vehicles industry, the researchers said.
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Details of the study, led by Professor Yu Le and Associate Professor Li Nianwu at the Beijing University of Chemical Technology, were revealed in the peer-reviewed journal Advanced Functional Materials last week.
As battery capacity declines with repeated charging and discharging, a key indicator of its service life is capacity retention – calculated as the ratio of discharge capacity to initial discharge capacity after a certain cycle.
The researchers conducted a series of tests to measure the retention performance of the new battery.
“We conducted 100 per cent depth of discharge (DoD) with the battery. The process is actually harmful to the life-cycle of a battery, but it’s efficient in exposing its problems,” Li said.