An international team of scientists has discovered a new method to enhance lithium battery design, making them safer and more powerful. By utilizing quasi-elastic neutron scattering at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the team was able to establish a benchmark of one nanosecond for a mixture of lithium salt and organic polymer electrolyte. This research has helped resolve a long-standing debate regarding the duration it takes for lithium ions to break free from small cages created by polymer electrolytes, which plays a crucial role in determining the flow of energy within the battery. Polymer electrolytes have the potential to enable electrodes with higher energy density, such as lithium metal, resulting in more efficient lithium batteries.
The use of neutron techniques not only validated computer simulations but also allowed for a detailed understanding of how hydrogen moves within the system, shedding light on polymer electrolyte dynamics at an unprecedented level. This breakthrough has facilitated the rapid screening of new battery materials at ORNL, providing valuable insights into the behavior of lithium ions within polymer electrolytes. The team’s findings suggest that this approach could also be applied to liquid electrolytes in the future, further advancing battery technology. Neutrons, being highly sensitive to hydrogen, have proven to be a valuable tool in this research, offering unique insights into the behavior of electrolytes.
Eugene Mamontov, the leader of ORNL’s Chemical Spectroscopy Group, emphasized the significance of studying materials in improving battery technology. Unlike liquid electrolytes, polymer electrolytes are less likely to cause fires in lithium batteries, making them a safer alternative. The team’s research has demonstrated the potential for polymer electrolytes to enhance the performance of lithium batteries by allowing for the development of more energy-dense electrodes. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of more powerful lithium batteries with improved efficiency and safety features.
The research conducted by the international team of scientists has provided valuable insights into the dynamics of polymer electrolytes and their interaction with lithium ions in batteries. By utilizing neutron techniques, the team was able to uncover details about the movement of hydrogen within the system, offering a deeper understanding of polymer electrolyte behavior. These findings have opened up new possibilities for screening and developing novel battery materials at ORNL, enabling researchers to explore the potential of polymer electrolytes for enhancing the performance of lithium batteries. The team’s research has not only resolved long-standing debates in the field but has also paved the way for further advancements in battery technology.
Naresh Osti, a neutron scattering scientist at ORNL, highlighted the importance of neutron data interpretation in understanding the extent to which lithium ions are trapped within polymer electrolytes. This research has provided novel insights into the structure and behavior of electrolytes in batteries, offering a new perspective on how energy flows through the system. The team’s findings have implications beyond polymer electrolytes, as they suggest that similar approaches could be applied to liquid electrolytes in the future. By leveraging neutron techniques, researchers can gain a better understanding of the dynamics of electrolytes in batteries, ultimately leading to the development of safer and more powerful lithium batteries.
Nitash Balsara, a Professor of Electrochemistry at the University of California, Berkeley, acknowledged the contributions of the ORNL team in advancing our understanding of battery materials. The team’s research has demonstrated the potential of polymer electrolytes in improving the performance of lithium batteries by enabling the development of more energy-dense electrodes. This breakthrough could lead to significant advancements in battery technology, with implications for various applications ranging from consumer electronics to electric vehicles. By combining experimental techniques with computer simulations, researchers can continue to push the boundaries of battery design and innovation, driving towards a more sustainable and efficient energy future.
