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AAU’s glass researchers improve future electric car batteries
Nyhed
AAU’s glass researchers improve future electric car batteries
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AAU’s glass researchers improve future electric car batteries
By Dorte Larsen, AAU Communications and Public Affairs
Photo: Aalborg University
Researchers from Aalborg University, led by Professor Morten Mattrup Smedskjær and Professor Yuanzheng Yue, are working on a solution that can advance the development of next-generation electric car batteries, namely the solid-state battery. By using glass-based electrolytes in a solid core, energy density can be increased and fire hazard reduced compared to current lithium-ion batteries.
"Rechargeable batteries play a central role in the green transition as they store energy from wind turbines and solar cells. They are crucial for electric cars due to their high energy efficiency. However, we need to develop new batteries that can offer improved energy density, longer lifespan, and less fire hazard," says Professor Morten Mattrup Smedskjær, one of the authors of a new article on the subject.
We need to develop new batteries that can offer improved energy density, longer lifespan, and less fire hazard.
STRUCTURAL DISORDER IN GLASS CAN IMPROVE ION CONDUCTIVITY
In a study published in the journal Nature Communications, Morten Mattrup Smedskjær and his research colleagues used computer simulations to investigate how structural disorder, such as that found in glass, can improve ion conductivity in electrolyte materials.
The results show that the highest ion conductivity is achieved in so-called glass-ceramics, which consist of both order and disorder. Many will also know glass-ceramics from their stovetops, but here the application is different.
BETTER AND SAFER BATTERIES
By finding the right mix of order and disorder in electrolyte materials, the researchers behind the study show that it is possible to design better batteries that are both safe and have higher energy density. The improved ion conductivity will mean shorter charging times and longer range, which is significant for electric cars.
"This is an important step towards significantly improving solid-state batteries and ensuring they can be used on a large scale," concludes Morten Mattrup Smedskjær.
- Lithium-ion battery: This battery uses a liquid electrolyte to transport lithium ions between the anode and cathode. It is the type of battery found in many of our daily devices such as smartphones and laptops.
- Solid-state battery: Instead of a liquid electrolyte, this battery uses a solid electrolyte. This makes the battery safer as there is less risk of leakage or fire. Solid-state batteries also have the potential to contain more energy and last longer.
In short, the difference lies in the type of electrolyte used to transport the ions. Solid-state batteries use a solid electrolyte, while lithium-ion batteries use a liquid electrolyte.
In short, the difference lies in the type of electrolyte used to transport the ions. Solid-state batteries use a solid electrolyte, while lithium-ion batteries use a liquid electrolyte.
ARTICLE IN NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
“Disorder-induced enhancement of lithium-ion transport in solid-state electrolytes”. Click here to read the article: https://rdcu.be/d7yyL
ARTICLE AT VIDENSKAB.DK
"Ny dansk forsning: Glas kan være nøglen til fremtidens batterier”. Click here to read the article: https://videnskab.dk/teknologi/?p=273975
The authors of the article are:
- Zhimin Chen, PhD, Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University
- Yuanzheng Yue, Professor, Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University
- Tao Du, Postdoc, Department of Applied Physics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
- N. M. Anoop Krishnan, Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, India
- Morten Mattrup Smedskjær, Professor, Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University