Lithium-ion battery with fluoroborate salt take the potential to rise in EVs
Lithium-ion batteries are the dominant source of energy in portable devices such as phones, tablets, and computers. Electric vehicles, on the other hand, share a different story, as lithium-ion batteries are not quite useful for them. Now, scientists are planning to develop a fluoroborate salt, which can make lithium-ion cells more dependable for electric vehicles and large-scale energy storage systems.
Fluoroborate salt for Lithium-ion batteries:
While most EV components are similar to those found in conventional vehicles, the main difference lies in the battery. Their batteries are larger and heavier and consist of hundreds of individual lithium-ion cells. They contain dangerous chemicals and can explode if disassembled wrongly.
Salts’ — the core
Professor Doug MacFarlane and Dr. Mega Kar in partnership with Calix Ltd have come up with a solution to make Lithium-ion batteries more suitable for electric vehicles.
Image: Structure of Lithium Salt (Advanced Energy Materials)
The salt on use in these batteries is lithium hexafluorophosphate, which is toxic and can cause fire and safety hazards. Still, with portable devices, it is more secure. But, as said before, with electric vehicle and outdoor grid-scale energy storage systems, the potential hazard is much intensified.
Now, scientists, in their recent researches, have described a novel salt for lithium batteries. Their aim is to develop safe fluoroborate salts which don’t undergo catastrophic reactions even when exposed to air.
Lead study author, Dr. Binayak Roy from Monash University School of Chemistry says “the main challenge with the new fluoroborate salt was to synthesize it with battery-grade purity which we have been able to do by a recrystallization process”.
Test
To put it through its paces, the salt was put together with the lithium battery and lithium manganese oxide cathodes. And, the results were intriguing. Even after being exposed to air, the cell cycled over 1000 times. In comparison to the hyper-sensitive hexafluorophosphate salt, this is an inconceivable accomplishment.
As per Dr. Roy, when coupled with a new cathode material in a high voltage lithium battery, this electrolyte beats the traditional salt. Furthermore, at higher voltages, as necessary for next-generation batteries, the salt is extremely stable on aluminum current collectors.
Fluoroborate salt for Lithium-ion batteries: Final Words
The study represents a significant step forward for the EV sector. While it addresses one of the market’s key concerns, waste management, it may also ensure vehicle sustainability. As a result, electric vehicles will be cheaper to operate.
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