CATL has unveiled a big development in lithium metallic battery (LMB) know-how through quantitative mapping, exploring new territory in electrolyte methods. This groundbreaking analysis, printed in Nature Nanotechnology, showcases LMBs that mix excessive vitality density with an prolonged cycle life, addressing a long-standing subject in battery improvement.
Their optimized prototype has achieved a cycle lifetime of 483 cycles and will be built-in into cutting-edge designs to exceed an vitality density of 500 Wh/kg, representing a pivotal step towards business viability in sectors corresponding to electrical automobiles and aviation.
LMBs are thought of the way forward for battery methods because of their distinctive vitality density, notably for high-performance functions like long-range electrical automobiles and electrical plane. Nevertheless, these batteries have traditionally struggled with a trade-off between vitality density and cycle life.
Earlier research aimed to enhance cell efficiency by optimizing solvation buildings and solid-electrolyte interphases, however these usually resulted in lowered lifespan, failing to supply viable business options. Understanding the failure modes of LMBs has been difficult because of difficulties in precisely measuring energetic lithium and electrolyte consumption throughout biking.
To deal with this problem, CATL’s analysis group developed superior analytical strategies to watch the evolution of energetic lithium and every electrolyte part all through the battery’s lifecycle. This method reworked the understanding of battery conduct, revealing the important thing depletion pathways that result in cell failure.
Surprisingly, the first motive for cell failure was discovered to be the continuing consumption of the electrolyte salt LiFSI, which sees 71% depletion by the battery’s finish of life. This discovering emphasizes the significance of shifting the trade focus from solely Coulombic effectivity (CE) to additionally embrace electrolyte sturdiness as essential for long-term efficiency.
Constructing on this understanding, CATL optimized the electrolyte formulation by including a decrease molecular weight diluent, which elevated the LiFSI salt’s mass fraction, improved ionic conductivity, and lowered viscosity, all with out growing the overall electrolyte mass. The ensuing LMB prototype, whereas sustaining the identical CE as its predecessor, doubled the cycle life to 483 cycles, and will be utilized in designs reaching over 500 Wh/kg vitality density. This breakthrough alerts a shift in creating batteries which are each energy-dense and long-lasting.
Ouyang Chuying, Co-president of Analysis & Growth at CATL, emphasised the chance to attach educational analysis with sensible business functions. He famous that the consumption of LiFSI salt and general salt focus are essential components in figuring out battery longevity.
This analysis was performed at CATL’s 21C Lab, devoted to advancing next-generation battery applied sciences. In 2024, CATL invested roughly RMB 18.6 billion (USD 2.59 billion) in R&D and holds over 43,000 patents globally, reinforcing its place as a frontrunner in battery know-how innovation and translating scientific analysis into sensible clear vitality options.
For additional particulars, seek advice from the complete paper.
Revealed on Could 30, 2025, by Blagojce Krivevski.
