Next-gen batteries may need a bath before use

The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation CSIRO has shared that the next generation of rechargeable lithium batteries may soon be here thanks an additional bath. The simple method could overcome the issue of 'battery range anxiety' that is currently a barrier in the electric car industry.

Source: CSIRO. CSIRO, RMIT and QUT are
developing a 'salt bath' to increase battery life
and performance.

CSIRO scientists, in collaboration with RMIT University and the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), have demonstrated that pre-treating a battery's lithium metal electrodes with an electrolyte salt solution extends the battery life and increases performance and safety. 

The research, published in Nature Communications, formed part of Dr Andrew Basile's doctoral thesis with RMIT University. He worked closely with CSIRO scientist Dr Anand Bhatt to investigate battery processes occurring at lithium metal. A team of scientists is currently developing batteries based on this technology, and are looking for partners to help bring these materials and devices to market.

The salt bath pre-treatment adds a protective film onto the surface of the electrode that helps stabilise the battery when in operation. The pre-treatment process involves the immersion of lithium metal electrodes in an electrolyte bath containing a mixture of ionic liquids and lithium salts, prior to a battery being assembled. Such ionic liquids or room temperature molten salts are a unique class of material that are clear, colourless, odourless solutions and are non-flammable. When used in batteries these materials can prevent the risk of fire and explosion, a known rechargeable battery issue.

The technology has the potential to improve electric vehicle drive range and battery charge to a point where electric vehicles will soon be competitive with traditional petrol vehicles. CSIRO battery researcher Dr Adam Best said the pre-treated lithium metal electrodes could potentially outperform other batteries currently on the market.

"Our research has shown by pre-treating lithium metal electrodes, we can create batteries with charge efficiency that greatly exceeds standard lithium batteries," Dr Best said. "The pre-treatment reduces the breakdown of electrolytes during operation, which is what determines the battery's increased performance and lifetime." 

Batteries that have undergone the process can also spend up to one year on the shelf without loss of performance.

QUT researcher Associate Professor Anthony O'Mullane added, "The pre-treatment process is readily transferrable to existing manufacturing processes."

The electrolyte salt solutions, to which CSIRO holds patents, come in a range of chemical compositions.