JOTA TSUCHIY
October 29, 2023
Synopsis
Researchers at the University of Tokyo created a cobalt-free lithium-ion battery with 60% more energy storage than typical alternatives. These batteries are eco-friendly and cost-effective, using a new electrolyte to enhance durability. They may outperform both LFP batteries and cobalt-containing lithium-ion batteries. Commercialization is under consideration, with existing production equipment available for scaling.
TOKYO -- Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a prototype cobalt-free lithium-ion battery that can store around 60% more energy than alternatives of the same size.
Lithium-ion batteries, used to power various products from smartphones to electric vehicles, typically have electrodes that contain cobalt, nickel and manganese. But scientists have been working on cobalt-free alternatives, since the material is both expensive and highly damaging to the environment.
Lithium iron phosphate batteries, or LFP batteries, are one example. By using lithium iron phosphate, these cells can be made around 30% more cheaply than a typical lithium-ion battery.
In search of a more effective alternative, the University of Tokyo team built a battery with electrodes containing lithium, nickel, manganese, silicon and oxygen.
This combination of elements allows for batteries with higher voltages. But components in such batteries have been known to break down, making extended use a challenge.
The researchers overcame the issue by using a newly developed electrolyte. Their small coin battery prototype retained 80% of its storage capacity after 1,000 discharge cycles. Its energy density is around 60% higher than that of LFP batteries, and potentially even higher than a typical lithium-ion battery that contains cobalt.
The team will monitor how the battery deteriorates over several years.
"We will consider ways to collaborate with companies interested in commercializing the technology, including through licensing," said University of Tokyo professor Atsuo Yamada.
Existing production equipment can be used to manufacture the batteries at scale, he said.
Source: https://asia.nikkei.com/
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