PFAS are common, long lasting chemicals, that take a very long time to decay. They are present in many commercial, industrial, and consumer products, including lithium batteries. “This is what we’ve done as a society,” researcher Chibueze Amanchukwu from University of Chicago says. He wants to turn the tide by developing PFA-free lithium batteries.
More Reasons for PFA-Free Lithium Batteries
PFAS have found their way into our bodies, the researcher continues. They are present in our blood, where they may harm our health. Some have links to developmental delays in children, decreased fertility, increased cancer risk, and lessened immune response.
Spiraling demand for lithium batteries for energy storage and electric vehicles, is increasing the presence of these ‘forever materials’. PFAS are a large family of literally thousands of per- and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals. They are in fast-food wrappers, scrambled eggs, clothes, and non-stick frying pans to mention just a few.
“This is what we’ve done as a society,” Amanchukwu wryly continues. “We make an amazing material or an amazing device, and then we realize that it’s not good for the environment. And so we scramble to see if we can replace it.” But fortunately for us, he is ahead of the game with batteries this time.
How PFAS-Free Solvents Are Better For Batteries
Amanchukwu and his team have formulated two new families of PFA-free solvents, that work well with future batteries. They hope this will help other battery designers to move away from ‘forever’ solvents:
- PFAS fortunately make up a small part of the batteries we use today.
- Lithium battery cathodes use a small amount of a PFA binder glue.
- Battery electrolytes use fluorinated compounds, some of which are PFAS.
The PFA-free electrolytes the team developed, enable a longer cycle life and better rate capability, the research report confirms. In addition, they also show an extended working temperature window, with stable long-term cycling from 60 °C to −40 °C.
More Information
Lithium Batteries Cause PFAS Substances
Removing Forever Battery Chemicals For Good
Prefiew Image: Theory of PFAS-Free Battery
