Researchers from Tianmushan Lab and Tsinghua University have reported a new development in lithium metal battery technology that could help expand the capabilities of electric aviation and other high-energy applications. According to a study published in Nature Communications, the team developed high-stability lithium metal pouch cells with energy densities reaching the 600 Wh/kg level.
The work is aimed at addressing a major challenge in the fast-growing low-altitude economy, where demand for drones and electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft continues to rise. Current commercial lithium batteries using graphite anodes are nearing their practical energy-density limit of about 350 Wh/kg, which has made it difficult to extend flight endurance for long-duration use.
Lithium metal batteries are considered a promising alternative because lithium metal anodes offer much higher capacity. However, their development has been constrained by safety and durability issues, including electrolyte decomposition and lithium dendrite growth during high-voltage operation. These problems can reduce cycle life and increase the risk of failure.
To improve performance, the research team used an additive-strong coordination solvation structure to develop a new electrolyte additive. The approach forms a thin and dense protective layer on the cathode surface to reduce damage during high-voltage cycling. It also creates a stable interface on the lithium metal anode, helping suppress dendrite formation, improve lithium-ion transport, and lower safety risks.
In testing, 10Ah pouch cells with high-nickel ternary cathodes reached an energy density of 550.7 Wh/kg and retained 80% of their capacity after 180 cycles. When paired with lithium-rich manganese-based cathode materials, reversible specific energy increased to 602.5 Wh/kg, more than 50% higher than current mainstream power batteries.
The researchers emphasized that the technology remains at the laboratory stage and will require further development before any large-scale commercial use.
Source: CarNewsChina
