Filed under: Emerging Technologies, EV/Plug-in, Hybrid
Researchers from the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have stumbled upon a battery discovery that may some day provide insight for building more durable lithium-ion packs for automotive applications. Through the use of high-resolution imagery, researchers found that the electrode wires within rechargeable li-ion batteries contort as the cells are charged. The once-thin wires fatten and stretch lengthwise as juice is fed through them. This action is detrimental to the tin oxide wires and is believed to be associated with the long-term failure of batteries.
From this research, Chongmin Wang, a materials scientist at the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, concluded that nano-sized wires may be better suited for use in li-ion batteries, stating:
Further research will be conducted to determine how to control the deformation of the electrode wires and limit the damage done by repeatedly charging a battery. In addition, the lab plans to develop a fully functioning battery with nano-sized wires to conduct thorough testing and determine the feasibility of mass producing a lithium-ion pack with this type of technology.Nanowires of tin oxide were able to withstand the deformations associated with electrical flow better than bulk tin oxide, which is a brittle ceramic. It reminds me of making a rope from steel -- you wind together thinner wires rather than making one thick rope.
[Source: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory]
Continue reading U.S. researchers discover one cause of lithium-ion battery aging
U.S. researchers discover one cause of lithium-ion battery aging originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 15 Dec 2010 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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