New study finds ways to suppress lithium plating in automotive batteries for faster charging electric vehicles
New study finds ways to suppress lithium plating in automotive ... Science Daily
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A Study on Preventing Lithium Plating in Electric Vehicle Batteries
Introduction
A new study led by Dr. Xuekun Lu from Queen Mary University of London in collaboration with an international team of researchers from the UK and USA has discovered a method to prevent lithium plating in electric vehicle batteries. This breakthrough could potentially lead to faster charging times. The findings of this study were published in the journal Nature Communications.
Understanding Lithium Plating
Lithium plating is a phenomenon that can occur in lithium-ion batteries during fast charging. It happens when lithium ions accumulate on the surface of the battery’s negative electrode instead of integrating into it. This results in the formation of a layer of metallic lithium that continues to grow. Lithium plating can cause damage to the battery, reduce its lifespan, and even lead to short-circuits, fire, and explosions.
Mitigating Lithium Plating
Dr. Xuekun Lu explains that lithium plating can be significantly reduced by optimizing the microstructure of the graphite negative electrode. The graphite negative electrode consists of randomly distributed tiny particles. Fine-tuning the particle and electrode morphology is crucial in achieving a homogeneous reaction activity and reducing local lithium saturation. These factors play a key role in suppressing lithium plating and improving the overall performance of the battery.
“Our research has revealed that the lithiation mechanisms of graphite particles vary under distinct conditions, depending on their surface morphology, size, shape, and orientation. These factors greatly influence the distribution of lithium and the likelihood of lithium plating,” said Dr. Lu. “By utilizing a pioneering 3D battery model, we are able to identify when and where lithium plating occurs and how quickly it grows. This is a significant breakthrough that could have a major impact on the future of electric vehicles.”
Implications for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This study provides valuable insights into the development of advanced fast charging protocols by enhancing our understanding of the physical processes involved in lithium redistribution within graphite particles during fast charging. This knowledge has the potential to facilitate an efficient charging process while minimizing the risk of lithium plating. Achieving faster charging times aligns with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by promoting technological advancements in the electric vehicle sector.
Furthermore, the study also found that refining the microstructure of the graphite electrode can improve the battery’s energy density. This means that electric cars could travel further on a single charge, contributing to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) by promoting sustainable transportation options.
Conclusion
The findings of this study represent a significant breakthrough in the development of electric vehicle batteries. The prevention of lithium plating could lead to faster-charging, longer-lasting, and safer electric cars, making them a more attractive option for consumers. By addressing the challenges associated with lithium plating, this research contributes to the achievement of several SDGs, including SDG 9 and SDG 7.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. SDGs addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article:
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
The article discusses the development of electric vehicle batteries, which are directly connected to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) as they contribute to the transition to cleaner energy sources. Additionally, the research on improving the microstructure of the graphite electrode relates to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) as it involves technological advancements. The use of electric vehicles also aligns with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by promoting sustainable transportation options. Lastly, electric vehicles contribute to SDG 13 (Climate Action) by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
2. Specific targets under those SDGs based on the article’s content:
- SDG 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
- SDG 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies.
- SDG 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
The targets identified are related to the promotion of renewable energy (SDG 7.2), the adoption of clean technologies (SDG 9.4), the improvement of air quality and waste management in cities (SDG 11.6), and the integration of climate change measures into policies (SDG 13.2).
3. Indicators mentioned or implied in the article to measure progress towards the identified targets:
- Percentage increase in the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
- Number of infrastructure upgrades and industries retrofitted to be sustainable and adopt clean technologies.
- Air quality measurements in cities, including levels of pollutants.
- Inclusion of climate change measures in national policies, strategies, and planning.
The article does not explicitly mention specific indicators, but these indicators can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. For example, the percentage increase in the share of renewable energy can be measured through energy consumption data. The number of infrastructure upgrades and industries retrofitted can be tracked through reports and surveys. Air quality measurements can be obtained from monitoring stations, and the inclusion of climate change measures can be assessed by analyzing policy documents.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. | Percentage increase in the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies. | Number of infrastructure upgrades and industries retrofitted to be sustainable and adopt clean technologies. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. | Air quality measurements in cities, including levels of pollutants. |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | Inclusion of climate change measures in national policies, strategies, and planning. |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: sciencedaily.com
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