In a collaborative effort with LG New Energy, the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology has unveiled a groundbreaking new type of electrolyte for lithium metal batteries. This innovation empowers electric vehicles to attain an impressive driving range of roughly 804.7 kilometers after a mere 12-minute charging session. The research team has successfully tackled one of the major roadblocks to the widespread commercialization of lithium metal batteries: the notorious dendrite issue.

Dendrite growth is a consequence of uneven interfacial adhesion on the lithium metal surface. To combat this, the researchers have engineered a cutting-edge liquid electrolyte that effectively curtails such adhesion. This ensures a uniform deposition of lithium on the anode, thereby thwarting the formation of dendrites.

Laboratory experiments have revealed that batteries incorporating this new electrolyte deliver outstanding performance over more than 350 charge-discharge cycles. Specifically, these batteries can rapidly increase their charge level from 5% to 70% within a span of just 12 minutes. Furthermore, modeling and validation studies suggest that high-density batteries utilizing this technology can charge from 10% to 80% in a mere 17 minutes. This breakthrough offers a practical and effective technical solution for achieving both ultra-fast charging capabilities and high energy density in electric vehicles.