Safer, better performing and environmentally friendly batteries? Yes, it’s possible. The researchers of KAISTin collaboration with the University of Ajou, have developed an innovative protective layer for lithium metal anodes, increasing the 750% the life of lithium batteries. And the secret of this extraordinary result is as simple as it is revolutionary: waterfall And heala natural material derived from plants.
The discovery, published in the scientific journal Advanced Materialsrepresents a step forward not only for the performance of the batteries, but also for their sustainability, solving some of the main problems related to this technology: short duration And fire risks.
How guar and water make batteries safer and longer lasting
The team led by professor Il-Doo Kimfrom KAIST’s Department of Materials Science and Engineering, created one protective layer of hollow nanofibres which stabilizes the growth of lithium ions. This layer prevents uneven accumulation of ions on the metal surface and dramatically reduces uncontrolled chemical reactions with the electrolyte, thus improving battery safety.
Unlike traditional technologies, which use toxic materials and expensive processes to create artificial coatings, KAIST’s solution is ecological and simple to produce: the nanofibers are obtained through a process of electrospinningusing guar as a base and water as the only solvent.
The hollow structure of the fibers is the key point: it acts both on a physical level, preventing random deposits of lithium, and on a chemical level, stabilizing the interface between the metal and the electrolyte.
Surprising results and guaranteed sustainability
The numbers speak clearly. Batteries equipped with this protective layer retain 93.3% of their capacity even after 300 charge and discharge cyclesan achievement that sets a new global standard. Not only that: the nanofiber layer is completely biodegradable and decomposes in about a month, minimizing the environmental impact both during production and at the end of the product’s life cycle.
As Professor Kim explained:
Thanks to the combination of physical and chemical protections, we were able to drive the reactions between lithium and electrolyte in a controlled way, avoiding the growth of dendrites and significantly improving the lifetime of the anodes. The sustainability of this process, based on water and biodegradable materials, responds to the pressing needs of a greener future.
In an era where the demand for batteries is growing exponentially and with it the problems related to environmental impact, this innovation could revolutionize the industry. Adopting a combining approach superior performance And environmental sustainability represents a virtuous example of how science can contribute to a more sustainable future.
