Chinese scientists have developed a novel gel electrolyte that significantly extends the lifespan and enhances the safety of lithium-metal batteries, marking a critical advance for electric vehicle technology. Researchers at Nankai University in China created a deep eutectic gel electrolyte (DEGE), which enabled test cells to operate stably for more than 9,000 hours.
This achievement represents a substantial improvement over earlier battery technologies, which typically offered shorter lifecycles. Some configurations of these test cells maintained up to 90% of their initial capacity after this extended operational period.
The DEGE is a type of gel electrolyte that combines high ionic conductivity with enhanced thermal and chemical stability. Its unique structure is key to reducing the formation of lithium dendrites, a primary challenge in lithium-metal batteries.
This breakthrough contributes to the overall safety and durability of the cells. It makes them more suitable for long-range electric vehicle applications. The development could accelerate the adoption of lithium-metal batteries in electric vehicles, offering greater range and facilitating the transition to more advanced battery technologies.