In collaboration with Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) and Sungkyunkwan University, LG Energy Solution has unveiled a new electrolyte technology intended to improve the performance and safety of lithium-ion batteries. According to the research team, the new approach maintains approximately 87 percent of capacity at minus 20 degree Celsius after 100 charging cycles and reduces heat release during thermal runaway by around 90 percent. The results were published in Advanced Energy Materials and the Journal of Materials Chemistry A.
Lower freezing point and higher stability
At the heart of this development is an electrolyte based on the ionic compound allyl trimethyl phosphonium (ATP). This substance lowers the electrolyteʼs freezing point and improves stability at the electrode surfaces. Due to its lower viscosity, ion conductivity is maintained even at low temperatures. This mitigates the typical performance degradation of conventional lithium-ion cells in cold conditions.
Potential for use in aviation
The team envisions applications in sectors where batteries are exposed to extreme temperatures, such as aviation and vehicles for Arctic regions. Additionally, the scientists believe that this technology could be applied to silicon anodes as well as to solid-state or lithium metal batteries. For this project, POSTECH contributed its expertise in materials research, LG Energy Solution supplied its electrochemical analysis, and Sungkyunkwan University handled the surface analysis.
Source:
https://www.lgensol.com/kr/company-newsroom-detail?seq=8693
