It is no secret that batteries will play a key role in the world's shift to net zero energy. As such, improvements in battery performance are constantly being explored to ensure batteries get smaller, and their output gets bigger.
One such development (from research between North Carolina State University and the U.S. Department of Energy) has found that extremely short pulses from a high-powered laser can cause tiny defects in lithium-ion battery materials, with such defects ultimately enhancing battery performance.
The technique, called nanosecond pulsed laser annealing, lasts for only 100 nanoseconds and is generated by the type of laser used presently in eye surgeries. Currently, the technique has been tested on graphite, a material widely used in lithium-ion battery anodes, or positive electrodes.
With Lithium-ion batteries only being commercially used in portable electronic devices and electric cars at the moment, further improvements to these batteries could have a major impact on larger transportation, and the use of lithium-ion batteries as storage devices for renewable energy sources like wind and solar.
While the word ‘defect' would usually sink the hearts of engineers and scientists alike, when engineered correctly material defects can be advantageous. For example, the aforementioned technique of nanosecond pulsed laser annealing ‘opens the door' for lithium ions in batteries, enhancing the current capacity; as graphite anodes consist of steps and grooves on the surface, so therefore creating more steps is like creating more doors for lithium ions to get in and get out, which is beneficial.
Additionally, the technique also creates defects called vacancies (which are missing atoms), helping to provide more sites for lithium ions to come and go, which is related to the current capacity.
This defect creating technique has been found to increase current capacity of lithium ion batteries by 20% when the optimal number of pulses was used.
One factor which may also help the production of more efficient batteries through this defect creating technique is the fact that manufacturers should already have the capability to use nanosecond pulse laser annealing when producing both anodes and cathodes, the other electrodes contained in batteries; given that the required high-powered lasers already exist, and the anodes and cathodes of lithium batteries can be treated within a microsecond.
Such research may also lead to elimination of the need for using more expensive materials in batteries, such as cobalt (used in battery cathodes), in order to make higher power and longer-lasting batteries.
This may prove to be a huge step forward in how batteries are manufactured, making longer lasting, higher performing, less expensive batteries for the masses, offering a great helping hand in the journey towards net zero.
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