Chinese battery manufacturer CATL reports progress in its research on lithium metal battery (LMB) technology. In the Nature Nanotechnology journal, the company published an analysis of quantitative observations of material changes in the cell. The study focused on the electrolyte, particularly the salt LiFSI. Previous findings had reportedly underestimated the consumption of this salt. According to CATL, tests showed that up to 71 percent of the salt is consumed during battery operation, which significantly contributes to capacity loss.
Development still in prototype stage
Based on these new findings, CATL developed a modified electrolyte formulation. This formulation contains a higher concentration of LiFSI and a lower viscosity electrolyte. According to CATL, a test cell produced using the new electrolyte achieved a service life of 483 charging cycles with consistent coulomb efficiency. The energy density reportedly exceeded 500 watt-hours per kilogram. These figures are considered significant progress for applications in electric vehicles and aviation, where high capacities and long-lasting, reliable systems are required. CATL describes the technical advances as a significant step toward commercial applicability. However, the company has not yet announced concrete timelines for the market launch of LMBs. Development is still in the prototype stage.
