Scientists extend the storage capacity and life of Li-Ion batteries

Researchers at the University of Southern California are discovering a strategy to prevent the structural stability of lithium-ion batteries from degrading, which is one of the factors that cause their functionality to degrade over time.

Their solution is introducing “stretch” to rechargeable batteries to be operated frequently without suffering structural stress.

I believe we will eventually need to repair these batteries, which is pricey and also reduces the rare earth minerals required to manufacture them,” the company stated in a statement to the media.

Zhang is the principal author of the original article and a scientist who studies intercalation materials used as electrodes in lithium-ion batteries. By extending these intercalation electrodes ahead of time, Zhang prevents the fabric from deteriorating. The phase transformation voltage is regulated by this modification in the original stress state, rendering electrodes more resistant to fracture or creator (the loss of crystalline characteristics).

An additional benefit of this approach, according to the researcher, is that by extending the electrode, the battery may operate in a broader voltage window, increasing its energy storage capacity.

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Zhang’s work is also thought to make safer and more durable batteries by eliminating the mechanical difficulties presented by combustible aqueous electrolytes often used in batteries and substituting them with solid materials.

Chang said mechanics has not always played a significant role in battery development. Zhang writes that researchers may now experiment with Zhang’s theory/tool and determine if rechargeable batteries have a longer lifespan.