Argonne Scientists Find an Ingredient in Toothpaste May Make Electric Cars Go Farther
In Lemont, Illinois, on June 29, 2023, it was announced that sodium fluoride, found in numerous toothpastes, acts as an ingredient to safeguard our teeth from decay. However, it's worth noting that compounds with fluorine possess unexpected practical applications. Researchers at the Argonne National Laboratory, a part of the United States Department of Energy, have recently uncovered a fluoride electrolyte that has the potential to prevent deterioration in the performance of future batteries.
There is a promising upcoming wave of battery technologies for electric cars that go beyond lithium ion. These new battery types have chemical compositions that allow them to store twice or even more energy in a specific volume or weight compared to lithium ion. This means they can enable cars to travel much longer distances and potentially even power large vehicles like trucks and airplanes in the future. However, the main drawback is that their high energy density diminishes quickly as they are repeatedly charged and discharged.
The group examined a battery featuring a lithium metal anode instead of the typical graphite found in lithium-ion batteries. Consequently, it is referred to as a "lithium metal" battery. Despite being capable of providing more than twice the energy density of a lithium-ion battery, this remarkable performance diminishes quickly within fewer than one hundred charge-discharge cycles.
The team solved the problem by modifying the liquid substance that facilitates the movement of lithium ions between the cathode and anode in order to charge and discharge the battery. In lithium metal batteries, this substance is a liquid containing a dissolved lithium salt. The issue with the battery's limited lifespan arises because the electrolyte fails to create a sufficient protective barrier on the anode surface during the initial cycles. This barrier, known as the solid-electrolyte interphase, functions as a protector, enabling the free flow of lithium ions in and out of the anode for charging and discharging the battery.
The group stumbled upon a fresh fluoride solution that upholds a strong shield for a multitude of cycles. It unites a fluorine-based element with a positive electrical charge (cation) alongside another fluorine-based element with a negative electrical charge (anion).
This had a significant impact on ensuring top-notch performance for numerous cycles in a test facility. The group's electrolyte presents additional benefits. It has the potential to significantly enhance the distance a vehicle can travel, have a lower price compared to current models, be eco-friendly as it requires a much smaller amount of solvent, and function more securely due to its nonflammable electrolyte.
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Christopher J. Kramer, the individual responsible for media communications at Argonne National Laboratory, can be contacted at [email protected] or by calling 630.252.5580.
