Lithium-oxygen batteries are a great innovation and a promise of things to come. However, despite holding five times more electrical energy then lithium-ion ones, they tend to slow down and shut down sooner. Tech Explore tells how liquid microscopy is unpicking the reasons at University of Illinois at Chicago College of Engineering.
Liquid Microscopy Potential Reveals Fresh Secrets
The Chicago scientists published their findings in Nano Energy earlier in April 2019 as follows. “We were able to see for the first time that lithium peroxide develops in the liquid electrolyte of a lithium oxygen battery.” Moreover this is a contributor to the slow down and ultimate death of these batteries,” they add.
“This is a newly discovered reason,” they say. “Why these promising batteries have such a steep drop off in efficiency and yield.” This is especially after relatively few charge / discharge cycles and thanks to our liquid microscopy analysis. We have known for a while that lithium peroxide builds up on the electrodes of the battery. But now we know more.
News Flash: Lithium Peroxide Accumulation in the Electrolyte
The lithium peroxide-coated electrodes can no longer function efficiently; with the result chemical reactions producing energy ultimately stop. However the Chicago researchers discovered the compound also accumulates in the lithium-oxide battery electrolyte.
“Knowing that lithium peroxide is building up in the electrolyte itself is a very important finding,” lead author Shahbazian-Yassar says. “Now, we can start to come up with ideas and designs that either prevents this from happening. Or do something to maintain the proper functioning of the electrolyte so it doesn’t interfere with the battery’s operation.”
Being able to peer into the inner workings of lithium-oxide batteries using liquid microscopy analysis is a step forward. We wish them bon voyage, and a safe journey in their research.
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Preview Image: UIC’s East Campus in October
