Experts suggest that batteries capable of self-repair could enhance both range and longevity, acting as the ” secret ingredient.”

• A European initiative is underway to develop an eco-friendly and highly efficient battery.
• Experts claim they’ve created a “super glue” that keeps the integrity of a package intact even after it has been damaged.
• The chemistry incorporates specialized cathodes and anodes along with a novel kind of electrolyte that shields them both.

There isn’t a universal approach when it comes to electric vehicle batteries. The size of these batteries varies among different types of vehicles, and often their chemical compositions are distinct too. However, manufacturers share common objectives: increasing energy density, enabling quicker charging times, ensuring affordability, and enhancing safety standards. Yet, the methods employed to reach these aims continue evolving. European battery researchers suggest that an eco-friendly “self-healing” system could be part of the answer to meet these targets.

Norwegian research organization
SINTEF
— also referred to as The Institute for Industrial and Technological Research — has been testing a battery they assert is more stable compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries and offers superior driving range along with extended longevity. They described this battery structure using an analogy of a “sandwich,” placing the cathode on top, the anode below, and including separators and binding agents in the middle layers. While this layered description could apply generally to most batteries, what sets this particular design apart lies elsewhere.

The cathode allegedly utilizes lithium-nickel-manganese oxide, known for being free of cobalt and containing lower amounts of both nickel and lithium compared to conventional electric vehicle batteries. This composition offers a greater mean voltage, potentially enhancing charge rates and overall performance. Additionally, it enables increased energy storage within a reduced space, as stated by SINTEF researcher Nils Peter Wagner to a UK-based magazine.
Tech Xplore
.

On the contrary, the anode is constructed using a silicon-graphite mixture. Many battery manufacturers are progressively investigating this approach.
silicon anodes
As they eliminate the inefficiencies associated with graphite-rich anodes, several U.S.-based battery startups like Amprius, Group14, and Sila Nanotechnologies are investigating silicon-based anodes. However, one drawback is that these silicon anodes often expand during charging and discharging processes. This issue can be addressed using a graphite composite, which provides the anode with enhanced durability and consistency.

Additionally, there is a “super glue” substance designed to fix small cell damages, similar to how a self-healing car tire works. This functionality is achieved through specialized binders and separators that maintain the integrity of the battery architecture. To put it simply, a binder refers to a material responsible for keeping the active components within a battery consolidated. On the other hand, separators play an important role in maintaining isolation between electrodes.
separator
Stops short circuits, ensuring that the cathode and anode remain separate. The development of the initial prototype electrolyte using these materials has been finished, and currently, the emphasis is on advancing to second-generation cells, as stated by SINTEF.

The final hurdle is determining how to introduce this technology to the market, as reports indicate efforts are being made to increase production capacity. While innovating within a laboratory setting is significant, transforming that research into a commercially viable, large-scale manufactured item presents an entirely different set of challenges. Over recent years, we’ve witnessed numerous advancements in battery chemistries; however, very few have successfully transitioned from theory to actual application.

As Bob Lee, who serves as the president and chief strategy officer of LG Energy Solution in North America, stated
Autoline Network
Podcast: “The key lies in manufacturing technology. The real challenge is producing batteries at high volume with consistent quality over large surfaces.”

Got a tip? Reach out to the author:
suvrat.kothari@insideevs.com

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