Lithium-carbon dioxide batteries (Lithium-carbon dioxide batteries) are a very attractive energy storage system because the energy density of such batteries is more than 7 times higher than that of commonly used lithium-ion batteries. However, although lithium-carbon dioxide batteries have the ability to store more energy, until now, no scientists have developed a rechargeable lithium-carbon dioxide battery prototype.
Now, researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago have shown for the first time that lithium-carbon dioxide batteries can be designed to operate in a rechargeable manner, and the researchers have successfully tested a prototype lithium-carbon dioxide battery , Can charge and discharge 500 times continuously.
Traditionally, when lithium-carbon dioxide batteries are discharged, lithium carbonate and carbon are produced. During the charging process, lithium carbonate will be recycled, but the carbon will only accumulate on the catalyst, eventually causing the battery to malfunction. Alireza Ahmadiparidari, a graduate student of the UIC School of Engineering and the first author of the thesis, said: "The accumulation of carbon not only hinders the active site of the catalyst, prevents the diffusion of carbon dioxide, but also allows the electrolyte to decompose during the charging process."
Amin Salehi-Khojin, associate professor of mechanical and industrial engineering at UIC School of Engineering and colleagues used new materials in the carbon dioxide experimental battery to promote the complete recycling of lithium carbonate and carbon during the charging process. They used molybdenum disulfide as the cathode catalyst, combined with a mixed electrolyte to help include carbon in the cycle.
Specifically, the researchers combined various materials to produce a single multi-component composite product instead of a single product, thereby making the recycling process more efficient.
Salehi-Khojin said: "The unique material combination helped us make the first carbon-neutral lithium-carbon dioxide battery. This kind of battery has higher efficiency and longer cycle life. It can be used in advanced energy storage systems such as V2G technology to balance electricity demand."