Turbo-charging batteries by suppressing lithium plating

Scientists Suppress Lithium Plating in Electric Vehicle Batteries, Advancing EV Technology

Scientists from Queen Mary University of London have made a significant breakthrough in electric vehicle (EV) technology by successfully suppressing lithium plating and increasing charging speed. Lithium plating, a common issue during fast charging, shortens battery life and poses safety risks. By optimizing the microstructure of the graphite negative electrode, the team was able to prevent lithium plating and increase the battery’s energy density. This groundbreaking study, published in Nature, represents a major advancement in EV battery technology.

The Lithium Plating Challenge and Its Solution

Electric vehicle (EV) technology is advancing rapidly, but one critical issue remains: lithium plating. This occurs during fast charging when lithium ions accumulate on the battery’s anode surface, forming a metallic lithium layer instead of integrating into the electrode. This reduces battery lifespan, performance, and can lead to safety hazards such as short-circuits and fires.

However, scientists from Queen Mary University of London, led by Dr Xuekun Lu, have developed a method to suppress lithium plating, improving the performance and safety of EV batteries. They achieved this by optimizing the microstructure of the graphite negative electrode, ensuring a homogeneous reaction activity and reduced local lithium saturation.

Unveiling the Mechanisms of Lithiation

This research not only solves a problem but also provides insights into the underlying mechanism. The team discovered that the lithiation mechanisms of graphite particles vary under different conditions, depending on factors such as surface morphology, size, shape, and orientation. These variations significantly impact lithium distribution and the likelihood of lithium plating. Using a cutting-edge 3D battery model, the researchers were able to observe when and where lithium plating occurs and how fast it grows.

Implications for the Future of EVs

This breakthrough has profound implications for the EV industry. By refining the microstructure of the graphite electrode, lithium plating can be prevented, and the battery’s energy density can be increased. This means electric cars could potentially travel further on a single charge.

Dr Lu emphasized the significance of this breakthrough, stating, “This is a significant breakthrough that could have a major impact on the future of electric vehicles.” Faster charging times, increased battery lifetime, and enhanced safety could make EVs more appealing to drivers and accelerate the full transition to electric mobility.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

   • Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
   • Indicator 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption.

2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

   • Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes.
   • Indicator 9.4.1: CO2 emission per unit of value added.

3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
   • Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g., PM2.5) in cities (population weighted).

4. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
   • Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have communicated the strengthening of institutional, systemic, and individual capacity-building to implement adaptation, mitigation, and technology transfer.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Analysis:

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

   The article addresses the issue of improving electric vehicle (EV) battery technology, which is directly connected to SDG 7. By suppressing lithium plating and increasing charging speed, the innovation described in the article contributes to the development of affordable and clean energy solutions for transportation.

   • The specific target under SDG 7 that can be identified is Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. This target is relevant because the advancement in EV battery technology can lead to increased adoption of electric vehicles, which rely on renewable energy sources for charging.
   • The indicator mentioned in the article that can be used to measure progress towards this target is Indicator 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption. As more electric vehicles are charged using renewable energy sources, the share of renewable energy in the total energy consumption will increase.

2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

   The article highlights the innovation in EV battery technology, which falls under SDG 9. The research conducted by scientists from Queen Mary University of London represents an advancement in industry and innovation related to sustainable transportation.

   • The specific target under SDG 9 that can be identified is Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes. The innovation in EV battery technology contributes to the adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies in the transportation industry.
   • The indicator mentioned in the article that can be used to measure progress towards this target is Indicator 9.4.1: CO2 emission per unit of value added. By enabling faster charging and longer battery life, the innovation can potentially reduce the overall CO2 emissions associated with electric vehicle usage.

3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   The article indirectly relates to SDG 11 by addressing the issue of lithium plating and its impact on electric vehicle batteries. Electric vehicles play a role in creating sustainable cities and communities by reducing air pollution and dependence on fossil fuels.

   • The specific target under SDG 11 that can be identified is Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. Electric vehicles contribute to reducing air pollution in cities, and the innovation in EV battery technology can enhance their environmental impact.
   • The indicator mentioned in the article that can be used to measure progress towards this target is Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e

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     Source: innovationorigins.com

      

     

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