According to the team, replacing the current carbon-based cathode material with silicon permits energy density to almost triple, allowing smartphones to go almost four days and EVs to travel approximately 450 kilometers on a single charge. (image: KobizMedia/ Korea Bizwire)
SEOUL, Aug. 4 (Korea Bizwire) – A research team from Dongguk University’s Department of Energy and Materials Engineering revealed Wednesday that it has developed a technology that can extend the lifespan of silicon-based cathode material from current few dozen cycles to as many as 500.
What is significant is that the newly-developed material is considered as the next generation substance for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries widely used in smartphones and electric vehicles. According to the team, replacing the current carbon-based cathode material with silicon permits energy density to almost triple, allowing smartphones to go almost four days and EVs to travel approximately 450 kilometers on a single charge.
Despite the small energy density of carbon-based cathodes, which result in low battery capacity, silicon was excluded as a suitable material because of its short lifespan. But with the team’s latest technology, the lifespan of the silicon being used has significantly increased, making it a more appropriate material for use in rechargeable batteries.
Dr. Kang Yong-muk, who led the research team, expects the technology to be commercialized within the next five years.
“What is significant about this breakthrough is that we achieved improvements in both lifespan and stability of the silicon-based cathode material via a low-cost process, giving it high industrial value,” said Kang. “We’re currently consulting with various businesses to discuss the commercialization of our technology.”
The full research findings were published in last month’s online edition of Advanced Energy Materials.
By Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
