Researchers suggest that self-healing batteries 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.
• Researchers are said to have created a so-called “super glue” that keeps the structure intact even after the package has been damaged.
• The chemistry features specialized cathodes and anodes along with a novel kind of electrolyte that safeguards them both.

There isn’t a universal approach when it comes to electric vehicle batteries. The size varies among different types of vehicles, and often their chemical compositions are distinct too. However, manufacturers share common objectives: increasing energy density, speeding up charging times, ensuring affordability, and enhancing safety. Yet, the methods employed continue to evolve. 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 experimented with a battery they assert is more stable compared to conventional lithium-ion units and offers superior driving range along with extended longevity. They described this battery using the metaphor of a “sandwich,” featuring the cathode on top, the anode below, with separators and binding agents in between. While this sandwich-like description could apply to batteries generally, what sets this particular model apart lies elsewhere.

The cathode allegedly utilizes lithium-nickel-manganese oxide, which is evidently free of cobalt and has lower amounts of both nickel and lithium compared to conventional electric vehicle batteries. This composition offers a greater mean voltage, potentially enhancing charging speeds and overall performance. Additionally, it can store more energy within a compact space, as noted by SINTEF researcher Nils Peter Wagner for a UK-based magazine.
Tech Xplore
.

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

Additionally, there’s a “super glue” substance designed to fix small cell damages, similar to how a self-healing car tire works. This feature includes specialized binders and separators that maintain the integrity of the battery structure. To put it simply, a binder refers to a material that holds the active components within a battery intact. On the other hand, separators prevent direct contact between electrodes but still allow for ion flow through this super adhesive system.
separator
Stops short circuits, ensuring 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 the second-generation cells, as stated by SINTEF.

The final phase involves strategizing how to introduce this technology to the market, as efforts are apparently being made to increase manufacturing capacity. While innovating within a laboratory setting presents certain challenges, transforming that innovation into a commercially viable, large-scale produced item poses an entirely different set of obstacles. Over recent years, we’ve witnessed numerous advancements in battery chemistries; however, very few have successfully transitioned from theory to actual implementation.

As Bob Lee, who serves as both the president and chief strategic officer for 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 suggestion? Reach out to the writer:
suvrat.kothari@insideevs.com

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