Until we posted this, we were unaware MXenes are a class of two-dimensional inorganic compounds. They enable intercalation of guest molecules because they are layered solids with weak bonding between them. Scientists at Drexel University in Philadelphia believe these MXenes could grow lithium battery charge life by 40%.
MXenes Could Grow Battery Capacity Using Silicon Anodes
Lithium battery scientists have concluded silicon anodes are the next leap forward in battery development. Silicon means longer charge life and smaller batteries too. But there is a catch. Silicon anodes expand while charging. The Drexel researchers believe MXenes could prevent this.
This technology could increase charge-to-charge life of electric auto and phone batteries by 40%. If MXenes could grow driving range to that extent then EV’s could take off as never before. This is thanks to researchers at Drexel University in Philadelphia and Trinity College in Ireland. They have discovered how to fortify silicon with MXenes.
Moreover, This Could Extend Overall Battery Life Five Times
“Silicon anodes are projected to replace graphite anodes in li-ion batteries with a huge impact on the amount of energy stored.” So says Yury Gogotsi, PhD, Distinguished University and Bach Professor in Drexel’s College of Engineering.
“We’ve discovered adding MXene materials to the silicon anodes can stabilize them enough to actually work in batteries.” Battery charge resides in battery anodes and cathodes, and travels between them during charging and recharging. Replacing graphite with silicon increases the storage capacity and that’s where the 40% increase comes from.
The Drexel University / Trinity College breakthrough involves mixing silicon powder into a MXene solution to create a hybrid silicon-MXene anode. The MXene nano sheets distribute randomly and form a continuous network while wrapping around the silicon particles.
They also “impose order on ions as they arrive, and prevent the silicon anode from expanding.” And that, in a nutshell is how MXenes could grow lithium battery charge life by 40%.
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Preview Image: Scanning Electron Microscope Image of the MXene
