Samsung SDI announced the publication of a joint research paper with Columbia University in the journal Joule, detailing a new electrolyte formulation that enhances both the lifespan and safety of lithium-metal batteries. The collaboration involved Samsung SDI’s Korea R&D Center, its U.S.-based SDI R&D America (SDIRA), and researchers from Columbia University.
Lithium-metal batteries offer energy densities more than 1.6 times higher than conventional nickel-cobalt-aluminum (NCA) lithium-ion cells, but their commercial adoption has been limited by short cycle life and safety concerns related to dendrite formation. In this study, the team developed a fluorine-based gel polymer electrolyte that creates a stable interphase on the lithium anode surface. This interphase effectively suppresses dendrite growth, a primary cause of capacity loss and safety hazards in lithium-metal systems.
By integrating this gel polymer electrolyte, the researchers demonstrated significant improvements in cycle stability while maintaining high energy density. The paper’s co-authors include Seung Woo Lee, Executive Vice President at Samsung SDI’s R&D Center; Hyun Sik Woo and other researchers from the Korea R&D Center; Yong Seok Kim, Head of SDIRA; SDIRA researchers Yang Li and Yuanyuan Ma; and Columbia University’s Professor Yuan Yang.
“This publication in Joule provides rigorous academic validation of our technology, addressing safety challenges that have long hindered lithium-metal batteries,” said Yong Lak Joo, Executive Vice President and Head of Samsung SDI’s R&D Center. “We will continue to leverage our global research network to advance next-generation battery technologies.”
Professor Yuan Yang of Columbia University added, “Our study represents a major step forward in lithium-metal battery performance. The new electrolyte formulation brings commercialization of next-generation batteries closer to reality.”
If scaled for production, lithium-metal batteries with this gel polymer electrolyte could overcome existing limitations and support applications requiring ultra-high energy density, including wearable electronics and advanced electric vehicles.
Source: Samsung SDI News
