Long-range electric planes, cars could be made of new stable metal batteries

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden have discovered how metal batteries can become a viable alternative to conventional energy storage solutions. These batteries promise more energy at a lighter weight.

For years, lithium-ion batteries have been the go-to for modern energy storage. These batteries can be found in everything from lights to smartphones to electric vehicles.

There is, however, a growing demand for more powerful and efficient alternatives to lithium-ion batteries, especially as clean energy adoption and electrification are on the rise.

Enter metal batteries, which, instead of graphite, use lithium metal electrodes. These batteries could deliver a much higher energy density, potentially even making electric aircraft viable.

But there’s a catch: lithium is highly reactive, meaning these batteries will have a shorter lifespan.

Led by Professor Aleksandar Matic, the team at Chalmers utilized 3D X-rays to observe how lithium behaves inside these batteries in real-time. They found that during charging and discharging, lithium forms uneven structures called dendrites. Over time, these dendrites compromise the battery’s stability and functionality.

Electroplating to the rescue

The research team is proposing electroplating as a solution instead. This process creates metal electrodes inside the cell. The team claims that this approach prevents the reactive lithium metal from interacting with the environment and forming a damaging surface layer.

“We work in a very inert environment, but even there the metal finds something to react with and a surface layer is formed, which affects how the metal behaves in the battery,” explained Josef Rizell, a doctoral student at the Department of Physics at Chalmers and author of the research paper, in a statement.

Since the electrode is created inside the battery, it is shielded from impurities, preventing unwanted reactions. Additionally, this enhances the performance and longevity of the battery.

Charting a sustainable path

The research team at Chalmers is part of a broader, government-funded initiative called Compel. This program aims to further research and education in electrification and battery technology. The implications of their findings extend beyond the laboratory.

“This type of fundamental research is important to pave the way for new battery concepts and technologies,” said Aleksandar Matic, who also serves as the director of Compel, highlighting the importance of research in paving the way for new battery technologies. “Without it, you can only try things out, like orientating without a map.”

“This is where we lay the foundation for future innovations that contribute to sustainable societal development. Batteries are already a key part of that development, and their importance will only increase in the future.”

The research conducted at Chalmers demonstrates how understanding battery chemistry can lead to practical and impactful advancements. The team has developed strategies to optimize the performance of metal batteries by isolating and analyzing each reaction within the battery.

The team’s findings were published in the Journal of The Electrochemical Society .