Hyundai Motor’s ultra fast ‘Hi-Charger.’ (image: Hyundai Motor)
DAEJEON, Dec. 4 (Korea Bizwire) — A research team affiliated with the Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST) announced on Thursday that it had developed a new hybrid lithium-ion battery that enables rapid charging within seconds.
Despite having a high energy density, existing lithium-ion batteries have shortcomings such as bulky size and long charging time.
Hybrid lithium-ion batteries, however, maintain the strengths of both the cathode for battery (high storage capacity) and the anode for electric condenser (quick ion charging and discharging).
Accordingly, hybrid lithium-ion batteries are grabbing attention as the next-generation energy storage device that can replace lithium-ion batteries for vehicles.
However, to ensure high energy and high output, the ion storage feature and capacity for both cathodes and anodes had to be improved.
The research team addressed this issue by developing high-capacity cathode and anode materials on the basis of conductive carbon structural material that has a porous structure.
The newly-developed hybrid lithium-ion battery has similar energy density and output as existing lithium-ion batteries, while having a wider range of driving voltage. In addition, it also enables rapid charging – within seconds for smaller versions of the battery.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
