A groundbreaking technology developed by a research team led by Professor Kyu-Young Park from POSTECH, in collaboration with Samsung SDI, Northwestern University, and Chung-Ang University, promises to revolutionize the lifespan and energy density of electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Recently published in the prestigious academic journal ACS Nano, this research introduces a novel approach to addressing the current issue of battery performance degradation caused by repeated charging and discharging cycles.
The primary challenge faced by electric vehicle batteries is the expansion and contraction of the positive active materials during the charging and discharging process, leading to the formation of microscopic cracks that ultimately diminish battery performance over time. While previous attempts to enhance the strength of cathode active materials or add reinforcement dopants have fallen short of providing a lasting solution, the research team’s innovative ‘nano-spring coating’ technology presents a game-changing solution.
By incorporating multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) onto the surface of battery electrode materials, the team was able to absorb strain energy generated during charging and discharging, effectively preventing cracks and minimizing thickness changes in electrodes to improve stability. This breakthrough technology enables the reduction of resistance caused by volume changes with just a small amount (0.5wt%) of conductive material, resulting in a remarkable energy density of 570 Wh/kg or higher. Furthermore, the batteries demonstrated outstanding longevity, maintaining 78% of their initial capacity after 1,000 charge and discharge cycles or more.
One of the key advantages of this technology is its seamless integration into existing battery manufacturing processes, facilitating mass production and commercialization. This advancement is poised to overcome current limitations in battery technology, paving the way for more efficient and durable EV batteries that surpass current standards. Professor Kyu-Young Park emphasized the wide-ranging applications of this technology beyond the secondary battery industry, highlighting its potential impact on various sectors where material durability is paramount.
In conclusion, this cutting-edge research represents a significant step forward in the quest for superior electric vehicle batteries. With its ability to effectively control changes that occur during the charging and discharging process, this technology has the potential to elevate battery performance across industries, driving innovation and sustainability in the electric vehicle market.
