Korea Develops New Method to Increase Energy Density of EV Lithium Batteries

Korean scientists have recently uncovered a significant link between the performance of lithium-air batteries and the presence of carbon dioxide. Their research suggests that Li₂CO₃, a compound formed during discharge, can act as a selective end product depending on the dielectric properties of the electrolyte used in these batteries. Furthermore, they confirmed that Li₂CO₃ is capable of undergoing reversible reactions within a lithium-oxygen/carbon dioxide battery system. According to a report from China Nonferrous Metals Net on June 26, this discovery was published in the *Journal of the American Chemical Society*. The researchers emphasize that understanding how CO₂ interacts with lithium-air batteries and its role in electrolyte dissolution is crucial for future development. One of the key benefits of this approach is the potential to minimize unwanted side reactions, making it a promising direction for next-generation battery design. Lithium-air batteries boast a theoretical energy density of up to 3,500 Wh/kg, making them a highly attractive option for electric vehicles. Their structure relies on intercalation electrodes, where lithium ions move between the cathode and anode through the electrolyte during charging and discharging cycles. Despite their potential, lithium-air batteries still face major challenges in commercialization, such as unclear reaction mechanisms, unstable electrolytes, limited cycle life, and slow ion transport rates. These issues make the technology difficult to scale effectively. The research team highlighted that most previous studies were conducted under normal atmospheric conditions, where the impact of CO₂ was considered negligible. To fully understand its effects, they proposed creating a controlled greenhouse-like environment to test the influence of various air components—like nitrogen, argon, water vapor, and CO₂—on battery performance. They also noted that while moisture is often the main cause of electrolyte and anode degradation, carbon dioxide could have a more pronounced effect due to its high solubility (about 50 times that of oxygen). In traditional lithium-air batteries, the cathode operates at around 3 volts, which is insufficient to activate reactions in the presence of inert gases like argon or nitrogen. However, CO₂'s stability allows it to participate in electrochemical processes. This difference in chemical behavior leads to the formation of Li₂CO₃ instead of Li₂O₂, which is an irreversible process that limits the battery’s cycle life. Even though CO₂ makes up only a small portion of the air, its high solubility means it plays a significant role in the battery chemistry. To advance lithium-air battery technology, it's essential to account for the effects of both CO₂ and Li₂CO₃. Researchers from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology and Seoul National University have explored this using quantum simulations and experimental methods. They found that low-dielectric electrolytes favor the formation of Li₂O₂, while high-dielectric ones promote the production of Li₂CO₃. Surprisingly, they also discovered that certain high-dielectric solvents, like dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), allow Li₂CO₃ to be reversibly reformed. This breakthrough is significant because, in real-world environments, the formation of Li₂CO₃ is almost inevitable. But by identifying materials that support reversible reactions, the team has opened new possibilities for improving the stability and longevity of lithium-air batteries.

Electric Valve

electric solenoid valve,electric exhaust valve,electric control valve,control valve electric,motorized actuator valve

Shenzhen DYX Technology Co.,Limited , https://www.dyxpump.com