26/02/2021

Lithium battery can be repeatedly recharged at temperatures as low as -60 degrees Celsius

Nanoengineers at the University of California San Diego have discovered new fundamental insights for developing lithium metal batteries that perform well at ultra-low temperatures; mainly, that the weaker the electrolyte holds on to lithium ions, the better. By using such a weakly binding electrolyte, the researchers developed a lithium metal battery that can be repeatedly recharged at temperatures as low as -60 degrees Celsius—a first in the field. Researchers report their work in a paper published Feb. 25 in Nature Energy.

In tests, the proof-of-concept battery retained 84% and 76% of its capacity over 50 cycles at -40 and -60 degrees Celsius, respectively. Such performance is unprecedented, researchers said. Other lithium batteries that have been developed for use in sub-freezing temperatures are capable of discharging in the cold but need warmth when charging. That means an extra heater must be brought on board to use these batteries in applications such as outer space and deep-sea exploration. The new battery, on the other hand, can be both charged and discharged at ultra-low temperature.

Read: https://techxplore.com/news/2021-02-weakness-strength-low-temperature-battery.html

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