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January 16 (Reporter Zhou Zhoulin Xiaochun) In a recent study published in the journal *Science Advances*, American scientists revealed new insights into why lithium-ion batteries degrade over time. Their findings could pave the way for faster-charging and longer-lasting battery technologies.
Led by researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Brookhaven National Laboratory, the team discovered that when a lithium-ion battery is in use, the concentration of lithium ions within nanoparticles on the electrode doesn’t steadily increase as previously believed. Instead, it rises initially and then declines, creating uneven distribution across the material.
This phenomenon occurs because lithium ions move through the crystal lattice structure of the battery's electrodes. When charging, lithium ions travel from the positive to the negative electrode, and during discharging, the process reverses. The movement causes the crystal lattice to expand and contract, which can lead to structural stress and eventual degradation.
Wang Feng, a scientist at Brookhaven’s Sustainable Energy Technology Department, compared the process to how sponges absorb water. “The total amount of lithium ions in the nanoparticle increases,†he explained. “But unlike water, lithium ions don’t distribute evenly—they flow out of certain areas, leading to imbalances between different parts of the crystal lattice.â€
These imbalances can cause permanent damage to the battery’s active materials, reducing its lifespan and performance over time. The researchers believe this behavior might be common in other advanced battery systems, suggesting their findings could have broader implications for future energy storage solutions.
With this new understanding, scientists hope to design more durable and efficient batteries, potentially reducing charging times and increasing battery life for consumer electronics, electric vehicles, and renewable energy systems.