Researchers at the Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST) in South Korea have developed a groundbreaking lithium-metal battery featuring a triple-layer solid electrolyte structure. This innovation aims to address the challenges of efficiency, safety, and longevity in battery technology.
The battery's design allows it to extinguish fires autonomously, a significant advancement in safety. It maintains high efficiency even after numerous charging cycles, with a reported lifespan of 87.9% capacity remaining after 1,000 charge-discharge cycles. In contrast, conventional electric vehicle (EV) batteries typically experience a 20-30% capacity loss after similar usage.
The innovative structure includes soft outer layers for optimal electrode contact and a robust central layer that enhances durability. This technology could potentially enable an EV with a range of approximately 480 kilometers to retain about 420 kilometers of range after 480,000 kilometers of use.
Additionally, these advanced batteries are not limited to electric vehicles; they are also expected to be suitable for smartphones, portable devices, and energy storage systems. However, the timeline for mass production and commercial availability remains uncertain.