The contribution for longer lifespan: Researchers load used batteries with fresh lithium on by Felix Baumann first appeared on Basic Thinking. You always stay up to date with our newsletter.
Researchers have developed a method to “recharge” used batteries with fresh lithium. This should significantly extend the lifespan of the energy storage.
Have Chinese scientists a method Developed to refresh old lithium-ion batteries and significantly extend their lifespan. The key lies in a special chemical process that enables fresh lithium to bring in directly into an already used battery. In the future, batteries could keep thousands of charging cycles longer, which not only protects the environment, but also reduces the need for expensive replacement batteries.
The background: lithium-ion batteries have a decisive disadvantage. They degraded over time because the lithium shifted into inactive structures and break off parts of the electrodes or lose contact with the power line. As a result, more and more storage -capable material is lost. Batteries can then absorb and release less energy. So far, the only solution was to completely replace batteries with a certain loss of capacity.
Used lithium-ion batteries regenerate through fresh lithium
Now researchers have developed a new approach. They discovered a chemical compound that can bring fresh lithium into the battery without the need for a complete new production. The scientists develop a connection called LISO₂CF₃, which can bring lithium into a battery in a completely new way.
To do this, they brought LISO₂CF₃ into used batteries. The connection then releases lithium ions under tension and disintegrates into its gaseous by-products. These gases escape from the battery while the lithium flows into the material of the electrode. According to the researchers, the process could be used both in the production of new batteries and for regeneration that have already been used. In order for the method to work, batteries must be constructed accordingly from the start.
Promising results in lithium iron phosphate batteries
The researchers tested their method of different battery types. She achieved the best result in lithium iron phosphate batteries (LFP), which are either used in larger energy storage or electric vehicles. In the investigations, a battery that had lost 15 percent of its capacity could be almost completely restored. The team tested another battery of almost 12,000 charging cycles and was able to restore 96 percent of its original capacity.
Although the results appear promising, there are still some hurdles. The method requires a special construction of the battery so that the chemical by -products can escape. In addition, it is not yet clear whether the technology can be transferred to the common lithium-ion batteries in smartphones and laptops. If the researchers succeed in further developing the procedure, it should trigger a sustainable course correction in battery technology. Instead of replacing batteries after a few years, they could always be “charged” with fresh lithium.
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The contribution for longer lifespan: Researchers load used batteries with fresh lithium on by Felix Baumann first appeared on Basic Thinking. Follow us too Google News and Flipboard.
This initiative to extend the lifespan of lithium batteries by incorporating used batteries with fresh lithium is an innovative and sustainable solution to reduce electronic waste and enhance the overall efficiency of battery technology. By reusing the remaining capacity of used batteries and combining it with new lithium, researchers can create a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional battery disposal methods.
Additionally, this approach can help address the growing demand for lithium batteries in various industries, including electric vehicles, renewable energy storage, and consumer electronics. With the increasing focus on sustainability and circular economy practices, the integration of used batteries with fresh lithium not only maximizes the resource utilization but also contributes to the reduction of carbon emissions and overall environmental impact.
Overall, this collaborative effort between researchers and industry stakeholders showcases the potential for innovation and collaboration in the tech industry to promote a more sustainable and efficient approach to battery technology. It will be interesting to see how this concept evolves and is implemented on a larger scale to further advance the development of next-generation battery solutions.
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