In a groundbreaking development, researchers at the Department of Chemistry in Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) have achieved a significant advancement in the quest for a stable and commercially viable gel electrolyte-based battery. Led by Professor Soojin Park, the team’s breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize the electric vehicle industry and enhance the reliability of portable electronic devices.
The current reliance on lithium-ion batteries in portable electronics and electric vehicles necessitates finding safer alternatives to the volatile liquid electrolytes traditionally used. One promising solution is the semi-solid-state battery, which strikes a balance between liquid electrolyte-based batteries and solid-state batteries. By utilizing a gel-like electrolyte, these batteries offer improved stability, energy density, and a longer lifespan.
However, the creation of gel electrolytes has encountered challenges, including the need for high-temperature exposure that can degrade the electrolyte and increase production costs. Additionally, the manufacturing process presents difficulties in achieving a strong interface between the semi-solid electrolyte and the electrodes.
To overcome these obstacles, Professor Soojin Park’s team introduced a bifunctional cross-linkable additive (CIA), dipentaerythritol hexaacrylate (DPH), and electron beam (e-beam) technology. By applying an extra e-beam irradiation step, the researchers strengthened DPH’s dual functionality as both an additive and a crosslinker, resulting in a stable interface between the anode and cathode surfaces and the creation of a polymer structure.
The team’s pouch-type battery, employing a gel electrolyte, demonstrated remarkable achievements. It significantly reduced gas generation during charging and discharging, improving safety with a 2.5-fold reduction compared to conventional batteries. Furthermore, it effectively minimized interfacial resistance, ensuring strong compatibility between the electrodes and the gel electrolyte.
In the endurance test, the researchers successfully developed a high-capacity battery that maintained its capacity even after 200 cycles in an accelerated degradation environment. Traditional electrolyte-based batteries experienced significant gas production, capacity reduction, and swelling after just 50 cycles. This remarkable performance showcases the enhanced safety and longevity of the team’s gel electrolyte-based battery.
Crucially, this breakthrough brings the mass production of gel electrolyte-based batteries one step closer to reality. By leveraging existing pouch battery production lines, the researchers have paved the way for the efficient and cost-effective manufacturing of batteries that combine safety with commercial feasibility.
Professor Soojin Park’s vision stretches beyond electric vehicles. This remarkable achievement has enormous potential to benefit various applications that rely on lithium-ion batteries. With stability, commercial viability, and enhanced safety, gel electrolyte-based batteries could power a wide range of devices, transforming the landscape of portable electronics and revolutionizing the way we think about energy storage.
An FAQ Section Based on the Main Topics and Information Presented in the Article:
1. What is the breakthrough achieved by researchers at the Department of Chemistry in Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH)?
The researchers have achieved a significant advancement in the quest for a stable and commercially viable gel electrolyte-based battery.
2. What is a gel electrolyte-based battery?
A gel electrolyte-based battery is a type of battery that uses a gel-like electrolyte instead of liquid electrolyte. It offers improved stability, energy density, and a longer lifespan compared to traditional liquid electrolyte-based batteries.
3. What are the benefits of gel electrolyte-based batteries?
Gel electrolyte-based batteries offer improved safety, stability, energy density, and a longer lifespan compared to traditional liquid electrolyte-based batteries. They also reduce gas generation during charging and discharging, improving safety.
4. What are the challenges in creating gel electrolytes?
Creating gel electrolytes has encountered challenges such as the need for high-temperature exposure that can degrade the electrolyte and increase production costs. Additionally, achieving a strong interface between the semi-solid electrolyte and the electrodes is difficult.
5. How did Professor Soojin Park’s team overcome these challenges?
Professor Soojin Park’s team introduced a bifunctional cross-linkable additive (CIA), dipentaerythritol hexaacrylate (DPH), and electron beam (e-beam) technology. By applying an extra e-beam irradiation step, they strengthened DPH’s dual functionality as both an additive and a crosslinker, resulting in a stable interface between the anode and cathode surfaces and the creation of a polymer structure.
6. What are the remarkable achievements of the team’s gel electrolyte-based battery?
The team’s gel electrolyte-based battery significantly reduced gas generation during charging and discharging, improving safety with a 2.5-fold reduction compared to conventional batteries. It also minimized interfacial resistance, ensuring strong compatibility between the electrodes and the gel electrolyte. The battery maintained its capacity even after 200 cycles in an accelerated degradation environment.
7. What is the significance of this breakthrough?
This breakthrough brings the mass production of gel electrolyte-based batteries one step closer to reality. It allows for the efficient and cost-effective manufacturing of batteries that combine safety with commercial feasibility.
8. How can gel electrolyte-based batteries benefit various applications?
Gel electrolyte-based batteries have enormous potential to benefit various applications that rely on lithium-ion batteries. With stability, commercial viability, and enhanced safety, these batteries could power a wide range of devices, transforming the landscape of portable electronics and energy storage.
Definitions of Key Terms and Jargon:
– Gel electrolyte: A gel-like substance that functions as an electrolyte in a battery.
– Electrolyte: A substance that conducts electricity when dissolved or melted and is used in batteries to facilitate the flow of ions between the electrodes.
– Lithium-ion battery: A type of rechargeable battery commonly used in portable electronics and electric vehicles.
– Semi-solid-state battery: A type of battery that uses a semi-solid electrolyte as a compromise between liquid electrolyte-based batteries and solid-state batteries.
– Electrode: A conductor through which electric current enters or leaves an electrolyte in a battery.
Suggested Related Links:
– Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH)
– Electric Vehicles – U.S. Department of Energy
– How Do Lithium-Ion Batteries Work? – U.S. Department of Energy
