Revolutionizing Battery Life: A Rediscovery of Li-Ion Power

Chinese researchers based at Shanghai's prestigious Fudan University have triggered a technological breakthrough that could result in greatly enhanced lithium battery function. The primary culprit behind diminishing power capability in lithium-ion batteries lies primarily in the growth of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer forming on the battery's anode. This prohibitive layer, increasingly competitive for lithium ions, amplifies resistance and decreases longevity.

Several factors, comprising the degradation of electrodes, deterioration of the electrolyte, and other influential parameters like current density, temperature, and electrolyte convection, contribute to the dwindling power reserves of lithium-ion batteries. Consequently, under-performing battery levels can become so subpar that the batteries are unusable.

The Lithium Longevity Enhancement Technique: Direct Lithium Injection

Reacting to this battery life crisis, the research team has developed an ingenious method of rejuvenating used-up cells. By directly injecting new lithium into these cells, the team replenishes the lithium lost in the battery's lifecycle. This approach was detailed recently in scientific journal, Nature.

The revival technique deploys Artificial Intelligence (AI) and organic electrochemistry to generate a unique lithium-rich compound. This compound releases its carried lithium when exposed to the right voltage conditions within a battery. One ancillary advantage is that this process produces gaseous byproducts, allowing effective venting out and paving the way for the incoming lithium.

Exploring Functional Salts: A Role for Machine Learning

The brilliance of machine learning played a pivotal role in discovering the potential of the functional salts vital in the revival process. Notably, lithium trifluoromethanesulfinate (LiSO2CF3) emerged as a promising salt, exhibiting optimum electrochemical activity, potential product formation, and most importantly, exceptional specific capacity and electrolyte solubility. The use of such salts could potentially expand lithium-ion battery longevity to an unprecedented 12,000 to 60,000 cycles.

Testing & Verification: The Demonstrations Unfold

To test these systems, several demonstration attempts were undertaken involving a 3.0V, 1,192Wh kg−1 lithium-devoid cathode, a chromium oxide in an anode-less cell, and an organic sulfurized polyacrylonitrile cathode in a 388Wh kg−1 pouch cell with a 440-cycle life. The outcomes were encouraging, exhibiting notable improvements in energy density, superior sustainability, and reduced costs compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries.

Furthermore, conventional commercial LiFePO4 batteries saw their lifetimes extended by a remarkable ratio. For instance, a commercially available graphite LiFePO4 cell maintained 96.0% capacity retention after a whopping 11,818 cycles when provided with ongoing external lithium supplies. This revitalizing technology could revolutionize battery life, promising an exciting refresh for lithium-ion batteries.