The development of electric cars faces a major obstacle with battery safety. Battery fires, although rare, have a profound impact on public opinion and slow down the mass adoption of electric vehicles. DGIST University (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology) may provide the definitive solution to this challenge with a revolutionary battery.
A design that completely rethinks security
The key to this innovation lies in its unique three-layer structure. Researchers have developed a solid polymer electrolyte that incorporates a crucial component: decabromodiphenyl ethane. This substance acts as a natural fire shield, making the battery virtually impossible to ignite. But the team didn’t stop there. They also incorporated zeolite, a mineral that significantly strengthens the internal structure of the battery.
This innovative architecture also solves a major technical problem: dendritic growth. These microscopic tree-shaped formations, which appear during charge and discharge cycles, are responsible for many internal short circuits. The new design effectively prevents their development, eliminating one of the main causes of failure in current batteries.
Performance that exceeds all expectations
Advances in security do not come at the expense of performance, quite the contrary. The DGIST battery sets new standards in terms of longevity and efficiency. Laboratory tests reveal impressive results: after 1000 charge cycles, equivalent to a distance of 300,000 to 500,000 kilometers in real conditions, the battery retains 87.9% of its initial capacity.
This exceptional performance is explained in particular by a higher concentration of lithium salt, allowing more fluid movement of ions. The three-layer structure also plays a crucial role: the central layer provides the necessary rigidity, while the softer outer layers facilitate the transport of ions, improving the overall efficiency of the battery.
A potential impact that goes beyond the automotive sector
The implications of this discovery go far beyond electric vehicles. The technology could revolutionize many industries, from smartphones to large-scale energy storage systems. Professor Kim Jae-hyun, principal investigator of the project, highlights the importance of this breakthrough for the commercialization of lithium batteries using solid polymer electrolytes.
The battery has another major advantage: its self-extinguishing capacity in the event of a thermal incident. This unique feature could radically transform safety standards in the energy storage industry. The potential applications are numerous, from portable electronic devices to industrial installations.
- Korean team develops triple-layer battery with built-in fire protection
- The battery retains 87.9% of its capacity after the equivalent of 500,000 km of use
- Technology could apply to smartphones, electric cars and industrial energy storage