Highlights
- KAIST researchers developed an innovative lithium metal battery technology that increases battery lifespan by 750%.
- The new method uses water and plant-based materials (guar gum) to create a sustainable, biodegradable protective nanofiber layer.
- The battery maintains 93.3% capacity after 300 charge-discharge cycles.
- The battery completely decomposes within a month in soil.
In an arguably groundbreaking advancement, researchers from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (opens in a new tab) (KAIST) have developed a sustainable method to extend the lifespan of lithium metal batteries by an astonishing 750%. This eco-friendly innovation, achieved through the use of water and plant-based materials, represents a significant leap in addressing the challenges of lithium metal batteries, such as limited durability and safety concerns. KAIST outlined their findings (opens in a new tab) on December 12.
What is the Korea Advanced Institute of Science andTechnology?
KAIST is SouthKorea’s premier science and engineering university, respected globally for its research and innovation. Established in 1971 in Daejeon, KAIST was the first research-focused graduate school in the country and has since grown into a world-class institution shaping the future of technology and science. It is often referred to as the “MIT of South Korea.”
Stabilizing lithium growth with nature-inspired design
The lithium study team, led by Professor Il-Doo Kim from KAIST’s Department of Materials Science and Engineering and Professor Jiyoung Lee from Ajou University, created a hollow nanofiber protective layer that stabilizes lithium-ion growth both physically and chemically. This layer, manufactured using an environmentally friendly electrospinning process, employs guar gum—a natural polymer derived from guar beans—as its primary material, with water serving as the sole solvent.
Unlike conventional protective technologies, which often rely on toxic processes and costly materials with limited efficacy, the KAIST approach offers a green, cost-effective alternative.
Enhanced battery performance
The hollow nanofiber structure plays a pivotal role in preventing the uncontrolled accumulation of lithium ions, a phenomenon known as dendrite formation, which can lead to short circuits and fires. By ensuring a stable interface between the lithium metal anode and the electrolyte, the team achieved remarkable results:
- A 750% increase in the lifespan of lithium metal anodes.
- Retention of 93.3% capacity even after 300 charge-discharge cycles.
This performance places the technology at the forefront of lithium metal battery research, paving the way for commercial applications.
Eco-friendly and biodegradable
The innovation doesn’t just excel in performance—it is also designed with sustainability in mind. The protective layer decomposes completely within a month in soil, reducing the environmental impact of battery production and disposal. This aligns with growing demands for greener battery technologies as global reliance on rechargeable energy storage continues to surge.
A Vision for the Future?
Professor Kim highlighted the broader implications of this achievement, stating, “As the environmental burden caused by battery production and disposal becomes a pressing issue, this water-based manufacturing method with biodegradable properties will significantly contribute to the commercialization of next-generation eco-friendly batteries.”
The study, spearheaded by KAIST alumni Dr. Jiyoung Lee and Dr. Hyunsub Song, was featured as the cover article in the prestigious journal Advanced Materials (Volume 36, Issue 47). The research was supported by the KAIST-LG Energy Solution Frontier Research Lab, the Alchemist Project, and South Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT.
This breakthrough puts KAIST at the leading edge of battery innovation, offering hope for a cleaner, safer, and moreefficient energy future.
Steven
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