A cyclic phosphate-based electrolyte for safe and high voltage lithium-ion batteries

In light of the ongoing shift toward renewable energy technologies and the growing number of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, researchers worldwide have been trying to develop batteries that can operate more efficiently and for longer periods of time.

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are currently the preferred energy-storage technology for portable electronics, as they contain organic electrolytes, which typically enable high operating voltages and energy densities. Despite their widespread use, further increasing the performance of existing LIBs could have a significant impact on their safety. In fact, these batteries contain highly volatile and flammable organic carbonates, which, if ignited, can cause considerable damage.

In hope of paving the way for safer and better-performing LIBs, researchers at the University of Tokyo have recently designed and synthesized an alternative cyclic phosphate-based electrolyte that is non-flammable. Their electrolyte, presented in a paper published in Nature Energy, enables safe, highly stable operation and high voltage, outperforming solvents contained in most existing LIBs.

Read more at Tech Xplore

Image Credit: University of Tokyo

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