The timeline for widespread adoption of the innovative triple-layer lithium battery technology remains uncertain
Electric vehicle batteries have seen remarkable advancements in recent years, yet researchers worldwide continue to push the boundaries of innovation. A team from the Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST) in Korea has developed a groundbreaking lithium metal battery with a “triple-layer solid polymer electrolyte.” This advanced design not only self-extinguishes in the event of a fire but also maintains impressive performance after extensive use.
A Smarter, Safer Battery Design
Here’s how it works: Traditional solid polymer electrolyte batteries face a persistent issue with the formation of dendrites—small, tree-like structures that can grow within the battery during charging and discharging. These dendrites pose a significant risk by damaging the battery’s internal connections, potentially leading to fires or explosions. This problem has long hindered the full potential of lithium metal batteries—until now.
In a study published in the journal Small, the DGIST team introduced a triple-layer electrolyte structure designed to enhance both safety and durability. The structure includes:
- Soft outer layers to ensure strong contact with electrodes.
- A rigid middle layer to boost structural integrity.
The electrolyte is further fortified with fire-retardant decabromodiphenyl ethane, a high concentration of lithium salt, and zeolite for added strength. The result? A safer and more resilient battery.
Durability Meets Fire Safety
This innovative battery isn’t just safer—it’s also built to last. According to principal researcher Dr. Kim Jae-Hyun, the battery retains approximately 87.9% of its capacity after 1,000 charging and discharging cycles. By comparison, conventional batteries often lose 20–30% of their capacity over the same period.
For context, an electric vehicle with a 300-mile range using this battery would still offer over 260 miles of range even after 300,000 miles of driving. Additionally, the battery’s ability to self-extinguish in case of a fire marks a critical leap forward in safety.
Dr. Kim emphasized the significance of this breakthrough:
“This research is anticipated to make a significant contribution to the commercialization of lithium metal batteries using [solid polymer] electrolytes, while providing enhanced stability and efficiency to energy storage devices.”
Beyond Electric Vehicles
While EVs are a natural application for this technology, its potential spans a wide range of uses. From smartphones and wearables to large-scale energy storage systems, this battery could improve safety and efficiency across industries.
Whether it’s powering your daily commute, keeping your devices running, or supporting entire energy grids, this advanced battery technology promises a safer and more reliable future.
